Rape seed oil

Rapeseed oil belongs to a group of vegetable-based oils used in crop protection as contact insecticides and acaricides. Its mechanism of action relies on the physical and chemical effect on the pests' outer coverings.

When applied to insects or mites, the oil covers their body with a thin, sticky film. This results in the blockage of spiracles (tracheae), through which gas exchange occurs, leading to the rapid death of the pest by suffocation.

Furthermore, rapeseed oil disrupts the integrity of the chitinous exoskeleton and prevents normal moisture evaporation. This leads to dehydration of the pest's body, which enhances the overall insecticidal effect.

A key feature of its action is that the oil also affects the pest egg clutches. The product creates an oxygen-impermeable film on the surface of the eggs, which blocks the development of the embryo inside them.

Unlike many synthetic poisons, rapeseed oil does not possess neurotoxicity. It works mechanically, which means the probability of pest populations developing resistance to this substance is virtually non-existent.

Products based on rapeseed oil are effective against a wide range of small, soft-bodied pests. The primary targets are representatives of the Hemiptera order.

The products are successfully used to combat such pests as:

• various aphid species;
• scale insects and soft scales;
• spider mites;
• whiteflies;
• psyllids.

The oil shows high performance in horticulture when treating fruit trees during the early spring period before the sap begins to flow. This allows for the effective destruction of overwintering pest stages on the bark.

In greenhouse and open-field vegetable cultivation, the substance is used against adults and early larval instars. It effectively reduces pest populations during the early stages of crop colonization.

It is important to note that maximum efficiency is achieved through direct contact of the spray liquid with the pest. Therefore, thorough coverage of both sides of the leaf surface is of critical importance.

Application rates for rapeseed oil-based products depend on the concentration of the active ingredient in the commercial formulation and the biological characteristics of the crop. Typically, the spray solution is prepared at a concentration of 0.5% to 2%.

Application timing is strictly regulated by the pest development phenology and the state of the plant. It is most advisable to perform spraying in the morning or evening hours in the absence of harsh sunlight.

During the growing season, treatments are carried out at the first signs of pest infestation. If necessary, follow-up treatments are performed at intervals of 7–14 days, while monitoring the plants' condition.

When used in orchards against overwintering stages, applications are performed at air temperatures no lower than +5°C. It is important to ensure that buds have not yet opened to avoid phytotoxicity.

The calculation of the required liquid volume must ensure complete wetting of the entire leaf surface. Saving water volume when using oil-based preparations often leads to a decrease in the effectiveness of the protection.

The application of rapeseed oil requires strict adherence to temperature regimes. Treating at high temperatures (above +25...+28°C) can cause leaf burns due to increased photosensitization under the oil film.

It is not recommended to mix rapeseed oil with sulfur-containing products, as this can lead to severe phytotoxicity. The interval between such treatments should be at least 2–3 weeks.

The product is compatible with many other insecticides, however, one must always perform a physical-chemical compatibility test before creating tank mixtures.

Plants under stress should not be treated, such as during severe drought or after frost damage. Under such conditions, crop tolerance to oil application is significantly reduced.

Rapeseed oil is virtually safe for humans and warm-blooded animals; however, standard safety measures must be followed during use, including the use of protective clothing, gloves, and goggles to prevent contact with mucous membranes.