Turnip rape is Finland’s most important oilseed crop, but its cultivation area and production have declined substantially in recent years. One of the main challenges is crop damage caused by insect pests, particularly flea beetles and pollen beetles. At the same time, options for chemical pest control have become more limited due to environmental concerns. New, environmentally sustainable approaches to pest management are therefore needed to strengthen domestic oilseed production.
The project investigates the natural defence mechanisms of turnip rape and how they can be utilized in plant breeding. The aim is to identify traits that improve the plant’s ability to resist insect pests and to develop methods for efficiently incorporating these traits into new varieties. In the future, pest-resistant turnip rape varieties could reduce the need for chemical pesticides, lower the risks associated with cultivation, and improve the profitability of turnip rape production. The project will also contribute to Finland’s security of supply, domestic food production, and the development of more environmentally sustainable agriculture.
