Light leaf spot can have the highest economical impact of any of the oilseed rape diseases and in the north crops routinely receive two sprays to control a disease that can reduce yields by over 1.5 t/ha. Varietal resistance is the other major weapon in the armoury against this disease and varieties such as Cuillin – with its near perfect 9 rating – provide an ideal way to minimise the impact of the light leaf spot. In addition to its disease resistance Cuillin has good stem stiffness and resistance to lodging, along with excellent yields and high oil content.
If we get anything like a "normal summer" it is likely the innoculum of light leaf spot will continue to increase and a resistant variety like Cuillin will need to be considered when making planting decisions in many regions not just Scotland and the North.
