Corteva is committed to delivering the tools Irish farmers need to secure oilseed rape’s valuable position for years to come.
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With our innovative R&D pipeline, fantastic hybrid varieties alongside proven crop protection products, Corteva is helping Irish farmers to maximise the potential of their crops.
Oilseed rape 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.
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 first winter oilseed rape hybrid to be marketed 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 trials conducted by Pioneer Research.
To learn more about Pioneer's OSR range, click here.
Astrokerb and Kerb Flo FAQs
Can I tank mix Belkar with Kerb Flo or Astrokerb?
Yes, Kerb Flo or Astrokerb are compatible with Belkar for additional broad-leaved weed control and can be mixed with approved graminicides or fungicides to avoid extra spray passes.
Do I need a dry leaf for application?
No, Kerb Flo is soil-acting, so spraying wet weeds or light rainfall after application is not an issue.
Do I need a dry leaf for Astrokerb?
Ideally apply to a drying leaf. Rainfastness for the aminopyralid component is about 1 hour; heavy rain within that time may reduce efficacy.
What is the rainfast period for Astrokerb?
For the aminopyralid component, rainfastness is approximately 1 hour. Avoid spraying if heavy rain is imminent.
What stewardship steps should I follow for Kerb Flo or Astrokerb?
Check field drains, avoid spraying near watercourses and follow buffer zone requirements. Always complete your propyzamide stewardship checklist before application.
Find information on oilseed rape herbicides
Latest OSR news and technical advice
Oilseed rape - should I stay or should I grow
From drilling dilemmas to weed control with Belkar® and Kerb®, get expert guidance on managing your oilseed rape for a top gross margin this season.
Herbicide programme options for oilseed rape
Corteva’s portfolio of oilseed rape herbicides offer flexible, reliable control across a wide spectrum of weeds and timings. They can fit into the programme based on the season and target weeds.
Corteva's oilseed rape business update - July 2025
Check out latest OSR update to find out more about this season's top Pioneer hybrids & our wide range of solutions for OSR growers.
Instinct® nitrogen stabiliser
Nitrogen use efficiency is about getting the most from every kilo of applied nitrogen. It's well-known that significant amounts of nitrogen can escape from fields as nitrate into water courses, and the atmosphere as nitrous oxide. If nitrogen is not in the soil, crops can’t access it, which limits yield potential and is environmentally unsustainable. Instinct keeps more nitrogen in the soil for longer, improving nitrogen use efficiency.
Find information on oilseed rape varieties
We have a wide selection of Pioneer® winter oilseed rape hybrids that have been extensively trialled across the UK and Ireland.
Video resources
Propyzamide - Back to Basics
Propyzamide - Back to Basics
How to check if your propyzamide application is working
How to check if your propyzamide application is working
Establish your OSR with Pioneer brand hybrids and LumiGEN seed treatments
Pioneer brand PT303, PT312, and PT315 can all have a unique seed treatment providing highly effective protection for farmers growing oilseed rape.
Establish your OSR with Pioneer brand hybrids and LumiGEN seed treatments
Pioneer brand PT303, PT312, and PT315 can all have a unique seed treatment providing highly effective protection for farmers growing oilseed rape.
Corteva Agriscience at Cereals Event 2024: Pioneer OSR
Corteva's Andy Stainthorpe updates us from Cereals Event 2024 about the range of OSR hybrids on display, key features and reasons why Corteva supports the oilseed rape crop.
Corteva Agriscience at Cereals Event 2024: Pioneer OSR
Corteva's Andy Stainthorpe updates us from Cereals Event 2024 about the range of OSR hybrids on display, key features and reasons why Corteva supports the oilseed rape crop.
