What is rapeseed?
Rapeseed is one of the world's leading oil crops, belonging to the Brassicaceae family. It is considered a versatile plant due to the high oil and protein content of its seeds. Rapeseed classification: it is divided into spring and winter forms, which differ in sowing dates and the duration of the growing season. The history of rapeseed cultivation has deep roots in Europe and Asia, where this plant was valued for its nutritional properties and wide range of applications. The rapeseed stem is relatively short and branched, the leaves have a waxy coating, and the inflorescence consists of light yellow flowers. When rapeseed blooms, the fields take on a bright yellow color, and the active flowering period lasts several weeks, depending on the region and weather conditions. In most regions, when rapeseed blooms in Ukraine, this period falls between late April and mid-May. Thanks to its high yield potential, especially when grown using proper cultivation techniques, rapeseed has become an integral part of crop rotation for many Ukrainian farms. What does rapeseed look like? The seeds are dark blue or brown in color and relatively small in size, fine, round, with a smooth surface that can produce a characteristic metallic sheen when rubbed.
Types of winter rapeseed
Winter rapeseed varieties develop in the fall, forming a rosette of leaves, and spend the winter in a state of relative dormancy. In the spring, they continue to grow, forming generative organs and producing a harvest. Winter rapeseed varieties differ in the duration of dormancy, degree of winter hardiness, and response to stress factors. Mostly, modern hybrids with high tillering ability and disease resistance are grown in Ukraine. When farmers consider why they sow winter rapeseed, they have in mind the advantages of higher yields compared to spring varieties, as well as the opportunity to optimize the use of agricultural machinery and labor resources. In addition, winter rapeseed varieties often have a more developed root system, which helps to better absorb moisture from the soil. Rapeseed varieties differ not only in their biological characteristics but also in how well they are adapted to different regions, which is why modern rapeseed for sowing from VNIS offers a wide range of hybrids adapted to the climate of Ukraine.
KHALK
The most stable hybrid of the VNIS company is Khalk, which year after year shows high yield results in various climatic zones of Ukraine.
The hybrid belongs to the mid-season group and has an average autumn development rate, which makes it suitable for cultivation in all climatic zones of Ukraine, provided that sowing is carried out early and at the optimal time. The height of plants reaches 140–160 cm in the central and northern regions, 120–135 cm in the south in drier conditions, and up to 180 cm in the west in conditions of sufficient moisture. The hybrid has high resistance to phomosis, which is ensured by the presence of the Rlm7 gene. High branching potential makes it possible to compensate for sparse sowing while maintaining high yields. It does not respond well to thickening, which leads to reduced crop ventilation and the development of diseases, which in turn lead to lower yields. Weed control technology is classic.
TORUS
The classic Torus hybrid is well suited for farms that practice intensive technology.
The autumn development rate of our hybrids is moderate, which makes it possible to grow them in different conditions, but does not allow us to recommend late sowing dates. Spring regrowth and flowering also occur at a moderate rate, which allows you to avoid early frosts that can significantly reduce yields. Resistance to major diseases such as phomosis and verticillium wilt is genetically determined. Resistance to pod cracking contributes to additional yield. The hybrid can withstand a slight excess of sowing density, especially in late sowing conditions, but it performs best when sown at the optimal time and with a sowing density of 350–450 thousand, depending on the row spacing.
PARKER
Classic cultivation techniques yield good results on all farms, but sometimes it is necessary to use more aggressive herbicides. This is where imidazolinone-resistant hybrids such as Parker come in handy. Resistance to imidazolinones is provided by mutations PM1 and PM2 of one of the AHAS genes (there are three of them in rapeseed). Growing such hybrids reduces the number of treatments, as imidazolinones effectively destroy both monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous weed species and have a long period of action.
An alternative use of hybrids such as Parker is to grow them using classic technology in fields where there is a significant residual concentration of imidazolinones from previous treatments. In such cases, only resistant hybrids are immune to the toxic effects of herbicide residues. Usually, hybrids resistant to imidazolinones are slightly inferior to classic ones in terms of yield, but their cultivation is simpler and slightly more economical in terms of weed control. The Parker hybrid has proven itself in the southern regions of Ukraine, where herbicide-resistant hybrids are more commonly grown.
MAIBAKH
A unique novelty for our market, Maibakh is a rapeseed hybrid resistant to tribenuron-methyl. This hybrid allows for significant savings in the fight against dicotyledonous weeds in rapeseed — it can withstand treatment with up to 50 g/ha of tribenuron-methyl, although 35 g will be enough to get rid of most problems with broadleaf weeds.
Growing Maybakh has a significant advantage in that tribenuron-methyl, despite its high effectiveness in weed control and relatively low cost, decomposes quickly in the soil and leaves no toxic effects on the next crop. Resistance to pod cracking allows the crop to be preserved until harvest. High winter hardiness and resistance to phomosis ensure healthy plant vegetation.
Powerful hybrid base
VNIS hybrids are created based on Ogura cytoplasmic male sterility. This system is the standard for most seed companies and ensures the highest level of hybridity and genetic purity in the growing conditions typical for Ukraine.
Uses of rapeseed
Rapeseed has a wide range of uses, including both food and technical applications. Rapeseed oil is low in saturated fat and is considered one of the healthiest vegetable oils for human consumption. It has a pleasant taste and is rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, making it a popular ingredient in cooking. What else is rapeseed used for besides oil? It is used to produce meal, which is a valuable feed concentrate for farm animals. In addition, the oil is often used for technical purposes — for the production of biodiesel, lubricants, and cosmetics. The use of rapeseed in the biofuel industry helps reduce dependence on fossil fuels and promotes environmental safety. It is important for farmers to know that during flowering, rapeseed serves as an excellent honey plant, ensuring high productivity for apiaries. That is why the question, “Why is rapeseed sown?” is often explained not only by the production of oil and feed, but also by the enrichment of farms with various bee products.
Rapeseed cultivation technology
Rapeseed cultivation technology requires careful adherence to agrotechnical measures, as the crop is quite demanding in terms of nutrition and moisture. Cereals are most often chosen as precursors for rapeseed, and the soil is prepared by deep loosening to ensure good conditions for the development of the root system. Sowing must be carried out at the optimal time: too early sowing can lead to overgrowth of plants in the fall, and delay reduces the chances of successful overwintering. Winter rapeseed varieties are sensitive to plant density: overcrowding threatens to increase competition for resources and raises the risk of fungal diseases, while overly sparse crops can lead to yield losses. Mineral fertilizers, including nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, are usually applied in combination with micronutrients. An important aspect of care is Winter rapeseed protection technology, which involves the use of herbicides, fungicides, and insecticides.
Advantages and disadvantages of rapeseed cultivation
Growing rapeseed offers farmers a number of advantages. First, it is highly profitable: demand for rapeseed oil and meal is growing steadily in both domestic and international markets. Second, rapeseed, thanks to its roots, helps improve soil structure and can serve as a good precursor for other crops. Thirdly, with proper crop rotation planning, rapeseed helps to optimize equipment and labor costs by allowing field work to be distributed more evenly throughout the year. However, there are also disadvantages. The crop is extremely sensitive to weeds, pests, and diseases, and therefore requires more active use of plant protection products. Another important factor is to prevent the spread of volunteer plants in crop rotation, as uncontrolled volunteer plants can lead to field contamination. Finally, rapeseed cultivation requires sufficient moisture and suitable conditions for overwintering, which are not always stable in different regions.
How does winter rapeseed differ from spring rapeseed?
The main difference lies in the development cycle and sowing dates. Winter rapeseed is sown in late summer or autumn so that the plant has time to form a rosette of leaves and take root well before the onset of cold weather. After overwintering, the plants quickly continue their development in the spring and form generative organs. Spring rapeseed is sown in the spring and does not have a winter dormancy period, so its vegetation period is much shorter. Winter rapeseed varieties usually provide higher yields because they make better use of spring moisture and daylight hours. Spring varieties can be sown where winter varieties do not have time to enter the winter hardiness phase. That is why the choice between winter and spring rapeseed depends on the specific region, climatic conditions, and available agricultural technologies.
What are the main pests of rapeseed and how to deal with them?
Among the most common pests of rapeseed are the rapeseed beetle, cabbage moth, cruciferous fleas, hidden-snout beetles, and some species of aphids. These pests can cause a significant reduction in yield because they damage leaves, buds, and pods. To combat them, it is recommended to use systemic and contact insecticides at the appropriate stages of crop development, while adhering to application rates and waiting periods. Prevention also plays an important role: proper crop rotation, destruction of volunteer plants and weeds, and collection of post-harvest residues. A comprehensive approach to plant protection, including regular monitoring of crops, is the key to successful pest control and maintaining high yields.
How does rapeseed affect soil fertility?
Winter rapeseed varieties have a fairly branched root system capable of penetrating to considerable depths in search of moisture and nutrients. This increases the permeability of the soil to air and water, and plant residues after harvesting improve its structure and enrich it with organic matter. Rapeseed also helps reduce the level of phytopathogens for subsequent crops by disrupting the life cycles of pests that specialize in cereals or other plants common in crop rotation. However, for maximum effect, it is important to adhere to scientifically sound crop rotation and avoid excessive saturation of the field with a single crop. Properly selected rapeseed varieties and optimal cultivation technology can make a significant contribution to maintaining or improving soil fertility.
What climatic conditions are most favorable for growing rapeseed?
Rapeseed grows well in temperate climates with sufficient moisture and heat during the growing season. The optimal temperature range is considered to be around 2200–2800°C during the growing season, with evenly distributed precipitation, especially in the early stages of development and during budding. Winter rapeseed varieties require stable snow cover or relatively mild winters for successful overwintering. Frosts during the flowering phase can lead to crop loss, so it is desirable that significant temperature fluctuations do not occur during the flowering period of rapeseed. The most favorable regions of Ukraine for this crop are the Forest-Steppe and Polissya, as well as some areas of the Steppe, provided that effective irrigation and protection systems are in place. In any case, before choosing a specific hybrid, it is worth carefully assessing the local climatic features to ensure optimal conditions for plants and maximize their yield potential. For more information, refer to the recommendations of experts in the article “How to choose rapeseed” and study detailed data on how individual hybrids respond to weather changes.
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