Mild weather conditions during the winter and early spring have affected disease levels in spring 2014, with the latest data from the Defra winter oilseed rape survey showing all diseases occurring at higher levels than last year.

Light leaf spot was the most prevalent disease recorded, affecting 87% of crops and 44% of plants compared to the long-term mean (2003-2012) of 50% of crops and 17% of plants affected.

This is the second highest level of light leaf spot recorded in the spring since the survey began in 1987. Disease incidence was highest in the North (100% of surveyed crops affected) and lowest in the South West (70% of crops affected).

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