OSR growers sowing late should consider biostimulant options to boost establishment

Recent rainfall has eased drought impacts across much of the UK. The dry conditions before moisture returned have forced some OSR growers to drill later than planned.

 For late-sown crops, achieving rapid and robust establishment is particularly important, as there is less time for plants to develop the root and leaf structure needed to withstand colder conditions and pest pressure.

 According to Matthew Welton, sales representative at Rovensa Next, biostimulants can play an important role in supporting OSR establishment when drilling is delayed.

 “Biostimulants are an effective tool that growers can use to support crop establishment, and they become particularly valuable when drilling is pushed back.

 “Late-sown OSR has a shorter window in which to establish before winter, so anything that can support root development, stress tolerance, nutrient uptake and growth can help give the crop a stronger foundation going into the colder months,” explains Matthew.

Supporting early crop development

Biostimulants can support a range of physiological processes associated with crop establishment, including root development, stress tolerance, nutrient uptake, growth and photosynthetic efficiency.

 One product being used to support these processes is Biimore, Rovensa Next’s biostimulant designed to optimise plant performance during critical stages of development.

 “Biimore offers several pillars of support that can provide a helping hand with crop establishment, particularly in situations such as late drilling.

 “These include increased root growth, enhanced photosynthesis, improved nutrient translocation and overall plant performance, helping crops to develop quickly during this critical period,” says Matthew.

 Applied early, Biimore can support root development, helping plants establish a stronger root system.

 “This is particularly important for late-sown OSR, as a well-developed root system supports nutrient and water uptake while also providing stronger anchorage as the crop develops,” he describes.

 Biimore can boost photosynthetic activity by increasing chlorophyll content, helping plants capture and utilise energy more efficiently.

 “Improved photosynthetic activity supports growth and development, helping the crop progress through its early growth stages before winter conditions arrive,” he adds.

 The product also aids nutrient translocation within the plant, helping to optimise nutrient use efficiency and ensure resources are available where they are needed during rapid growth.

“Biimore’s effects can typically begin to be observed within days to a couple of weeks after application. The mode of action enables it to act throughout the crop season, improving photosynthetic activity and potassium translocation, and thus improving OSR yield and quality.

 “Initial improvements in processes such as photosynthesis and nutrient uptake can begin within days, while changes in root development can become noticeable within one to two weeks. Broader improvements in growth and development can become apparent over the following two to four weeks,” explains Matthew.

Trial results

Trials conducted by Rovensa Next in the UK and across Europe have demonstrated the potential benefits of applying Biimore to OSR during early autumn.

 Across numerous trials, an application of Biimore at  0.05 l/ha at the three- to eight-leaf stage has been shown to support OSR establishment and enhance yield.

 “The trial results demonstrate the potential of early Biimore application to support OSR during a critical period of development.

 “With late drilling potentially creating additional establishment challenges this season, growers should consider all the tools available to help crops establish quickly and enter winter in the strongest possible condition,” concludes Matthew.