Poland rapeseed harvest threatened by spring drought and pest damage

The 2026 rapeseed season in Poland has been hampered by a dry spring following nitrogen applications, leading to poor water uptake and early infestations of cabbage stem flea beetles. Expert Artur Kozera of Rapool Polska said that lack of rain from early March to mid‑April left many fields unable to use supplied nitrogen, with up to 10% of the crop—over 100,000 ha—potentially lost. Damage to stems from beetle larvae is evident, affecting water and nutrient transport. By mid‑May, rainfall improved and temperatures remained warm, giving the remaining plants a chance to fill pods and achieve modest yields.

At the same time, the DANKO‑organized Dni Pola field days in Szelejewo highlighted more than 100 new grain and legume varieties designed for drought‑prone conditions. Partners BASF, ADOB and K+S presented growth regulators, foliar fertilizers and potassium‑magnesium‑sulphur blends to support crops under variable rainfall. New wheat lines such as Lacerta, Bravia and Atlantida were praised for high yields with reduced nitrogen and early maturing traits, aiming to help farmers cope with the spring moisture deficit.