Combicoat CBS Treated
Since the removal of the old fashioned ‘gammalex’ powder seed coating Flea Beetle has been almost impossible to control. Flea beetle can devastate Kale, stubble turnip & Swede crops almost before the attack has been noticed. Entire crops can be decimated within weeks and our own records show that for 8 of the last 10 years, we have seen extremely bad flea beetle attacks.
Combicoat CBS is applied in Germany by the owners of the seed coating and is unique in that it leaves ‘nil’ chemical residues (source Central Science Laboratory) and is therefore a very ‘green’ chemical dressing to use on these vulnerable crops.
Combicoat CBS is even used on human consumption swedes production crops as it has a unique safety feature: It almost completely breaking down and leaves no residue. Combicoat is effective for the first few weeks only of crop establishment – and once established crops should still be monitored closely.
CBS Combicoat is not a ’shut the farm gate and leave’ treatment.
Flea Beetle Life Cycle
Spring -move onto young plants and start to feed. Flying distances of over a mile looking for food.
May/June- females lay eggs in the soil near plants Larvae will hatch and feed from leaves.
Management Practice for successful crops
1) Ensure that you use Combicoat CBS treated seed
2) Ensure very good nutrient levels in the soil especially Nitrogen, Kale especially has very high requirements for Nitrogen – and requirement is nearly always underestimated.
3) Check emerging seedlings daily-for tell tale signs of attack (bullet/shot holes on leaf)
4)Spray with insecticide at first sign of attack – check 3 days later, you may need to spray twice or more
5)A top dressing of fertiliser will help an attacked crop recover
6) Clear up weed and plant debris to limit possible over wintering sites for flea beetle.
7) A trap crop can be grown next to the crop such as Fodder Rape ‘Sparta’ or ‘Savvy blend’ as a deterrent for attack.
Please note Combicoat CBS is only suitable for drilling not broadcasting.
