HAIRS PROTECT PODS OF MUSTARD (BRASSICA HIRTA ’GISILBA’) FROM FLEA BEETLE FEEDING DAMAGE

Abstract

Pods of the mustard Brassica hirta ’Gisilba’, which have stiff hairs, showed no significant flea beetle damage, while adjacent rapeseed plots showed heavy pod damage. Removal of hairs from mustard pods caused an increase in feeding damage by the flea beetles. Breeding for pod hairiness in rapeseed may reduce pod damage caused by this pest to an insignificant level.