Oilseed rape: from Hybrid to Harvest

 

Oilseed rape is an integral part of the UK arable rotation, but it’s not without its risks and challenges. Corteva is committed to supporting farmers and agronomists to grow oilseed rape successfully.

This online hub will support you through the season. Bookmark this page and visit regularly for updates.

 

OSR establishment update 2026

Oilseed rape remains one of the most valuable break crops in the rotation, but strong establishment is critical to unlocking its full potential. While soil temperatures remain favourable, moisture is the key factor shaping drilling decisions this season. Rather than chasing early drilling dates, growers are encouraged to focus on drilling into adequate moisture, creating optimal seedbeds and supporting rapid crop growth.

Early weed control also plays a vital role in protecting yield potential. Minimising weed competition during establishment helps crops make the most of available moisture, nutrients and light, supporting vigorous growth and improved resilience. Combining a conditions-led establishment approach with timely weed management can maximise crop competitiveness and set the foundations for a successful season.

Read more for practical guidance on drilling strategy, establishment success, weed control and companion crop management for OSR in 2026.

Watch our new video where Hugh Guinan, Corteva Field Technical Manager, discusses the key factors behind successful oilseed rape establishment.

 

Stewardship considerations ahead of drilling:

As preparations for drilling begin, now is the ideal time to think about stewardship alongside crop establishment and weed control. The decisions made before and after drilling can play an important role in protecting water quality while ensuring effective crop protection throughout the autumn and winter.

When planning your oilseed rape crop, consider factors such as soil type, topography, cultivation strategy and direction of travel during establishment. These can all influence the risk of product movement and should form part of your stewardship planning.

Good stewardship starts with good planning. Taking a proactive approach now can help protect local watercourses and support the sustainable use of crop protection products.

We have a range of useful online resources that provide key stewardship information, including guidance for both before drilling and at crop establishment - check them out 👇

Click here: Propyzamide stewardship

 

 

PACTS results now available for winter oilseed rape hybrids from Pioneer®:

We’re excited to share the very latest results from the Pioneer Accurate Crop Testing Systems (PACTS) for winter oilseed rape. These trials are designed to provide growers with robust, field-tested data to support confident decision-making when selecting hybrids for the upcoming season.

This year’s PACTS results highlight the outstanding performance and agronomic strengths of four key Pioneer hybrids:

  • PT303: The UK’s first winter oilseed rape hybrid with built-in Sclerotinia tolerance, offering a strong agronomic package including Turnip Yellows Virus (TuYV) resistance and consistent yield performance.
  • PT312: A high-yielding and high oil content hybrid with excellent vigour and built-in Sclerotinia tolerance. As well as TuYV resistance this variety is also Pod Shatter tolerant.
  • PT315: Known for its strong disease resistance, very high oil content and reliable performance across a range of environments. This variety incorporates Pod Shatter resistance and Stem Canker resistance based on Rlm7 gene.
  • PT322: The newest Pioneer hybrid delivering exceptionally high oil content (47.81% in trials) and disease resistance. With Sclerotinia tolerance, TuYV resistance, Pod Shatter tolerance and strong scores for Light Leaf Spot (8) and Stem Canker (7). The stem canker resistance is based on the newer LmS gene.

These hybrids have been rigorously tested across multiple locations and growing conditions, giving growers the confidence to choose varieties that align with their agronomic goals and local challenges.

 

Take a look at some of the trial results below:

 

Based on four UK trials conducted by Pioneer Research.

 

To learn more about Pioneer's OSR range, click here.

Oilseed rape product highlights

We're committed to developing new chemistry and solutions for oilseed rape growers. View our product highlights to find out more.

Winter oilseed rape hybrid guide

Take a look at our winter oilseed rape hybrid guide for the upcoming season to find out more about our range of hybrids. Click here to view the hybrid guide.

Maximise your oilseed rape crop potential

Key weeds to watch out for in OSR

Explore the weed biology section of our website to learn more about weeds and how you can control them.

Disease management in oilseed rape

Explore our disease management section of our website to learn more.