EIP-AGRI Brochure IPM for Brassica

Brassica vegetables and Brassica oilseeds are economically important for European farmers. Throughout Europe, Brassica crops have been suffering from a range of existing and newly emerging pests and diseases, which are overcoming the plant’s disease resistance, or which are becoming increasingly resistant to pesticides. Using Integrated Pest Management (IPM) measures could help farmers to control problems in Brassica production. The IPM approach encourages natural pest control mechanisms and preventive measures, for instance by using plant varieties that are free from or resistant to pests and diseases, by supporting functional biodiversity, or by adopting specific agronomic practices. This brochure suggests promising ways to effectively deal with pests and diseases in Brassica crops, focusing on winter oilseed rape (OSR) and on the three most important Brassica vegetables: cauliflower, broccoli and white cabbage. It also offers ideas on how farmers, advisers and researchers can collaborate to promote an economically viable IPM for Brassica in Europe.