Battle the beetle

KWS develops resistant varieties that defy the cabbage stem flea beetle

The cabbage stem flea beetle is one of the main pests in oilseed rape cultivation. An infestation can lead to high yield losses and even the complete loss of areas.

"In its different life cycle phases, the cabbage stem flea beetle infects other plant parts: In winter and spring, the larvae focus on the stems and petioles. The adult beetles arrive in fall shortly after the emergence of the plants and usually damage them already in the cotyledon stage" explains KWS oilseed breeder Susann Volkmann.

With regard to infestation, the choice of variety is crucial. This is because trials have shown clear differences here. KWS varieties with InsectPROTECT genetics are less susceptible to the cabbage stem flea beetle.

The susceptibility is to be further reduced through intensive breeding work. The aim is to develop resistant varieties whose genetics naturally protect them from infestation by the cabbage stem flea beetle. Speed is a crucial aspect here, which is why new breeding methods such as Genome Editing, which are used in basic research, are increasingly coming into focus.

With the help of genetic scissors, just a few specific areas of the genetic material can be edited - and only with the species' own genetic material. “A new variety with the desired resistance is created – much faster and more targeted than would be possible through conventional breeding”, says Stefan Meldau, Group Lead Biotic Stress Traits at KWS.

Further information on this topic can be found here:
At the heart of oilseed rape breeding

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Susann Volkmann, Breeder Oilseed Rape at KWS
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Stefan Meldau, Group Lead Biotic Stress Traits at KWS
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It normally takes 10 to 12 years to develop a variety. With the help of new breeding methods, the breeding process can be shortened by 20 to 30 percent.
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Once the cells have grown into small plants, it is shown whether they have the desired resistance to the cabbage stem flea beetle.