How can you protect yield with pod sealant?

Reduce shatter and improve ROI with pod sealant

Pod shatter at harvest remains one of the most significant contributors to yield loss in oilseed rape (OSR). Even with advancements in varietal resistance, the potential for seed loss through premature pod opening can reduce margins, increase volunteer burden, and promote disease. Arrest P, IntraCrop’s high-performance pod sealant, offers a proven solution to minimise the risk of pod shatter, supporting yield retention and ROI.

Shatter losses at maturity

In OSR, seed pods ripen from the bottom of the plant upward, with the oldest pods opening first. Under typical harvest conditions, especially when delayed by weather or logistics, this natural dehiscence can lead to significant seed shedding. Studies estimate average losses of 5–10%, although under some conditions, this figure may be higher.

In addition to direct yield reduction, seed loss contributes to:

• Volunteer OSR emergence in subsequent crops
• Pathogen carryover, especially in tight rotations
• Uneven maturity and reduced harvest efficiency

The solution: Arrest P pod sealant

Arrest P forms a flexible, breathable film over the pod surface, reinforcing the pod structure without interfering with natural desiccation or combining. Applied between BBCH 80–89, when pods are still green and flexible, it reduces mechanical and environmental stresses that can trigger premature opening.

Arrest P can be used alone or tank-mixed with glyphosate (where permitted), offering flexibility within existing desiccation programs. The recommended application rate is 1.0 L/ha in 150–300 L water.

Data-driven performance

Multiple years of replicated UK and European trials demonstrate that Arrest P consistently improves yield and reduces pod shatter:

• Up to 11.7% yield increase when combined with glyphosate vs glyphosate alone (UK trials, 2017–2019)
• 3.9% average yield uplift over untreated across 5-year data set
• Shatter reduction from 14.1% to 9.7% in Eurofins Hungary trials (2019)
• Reduction in volunteer OSR plants by up to 27%

Even in varieties with inherent pod shatter resistance, combining genetic and pod sealant strategies provides the best results. Arrest P not only protects against pre-harvest seed loss but supports more uniform crop clearance and better field hygiene going into the next rotation.

Arrest P has also shown efficacy in reducing pod loss in other crops such as field beans, where trials reported higher yields compared to other market alternatives.

Conclusion

Arrest P provides an essential tool for growers aiming to protect yield potential, simplify harvest logistics, and reduce agronomic risk. When used alongside varietal selection and integrated desiccation programs, it delivers consistent return on investment — particularly in seasons where harvest timing is uncertain.

For more information or speak with your agronomist or get in touch with IntraCrop.