Summary:
Pollen beetle (Meligethes spp.) adults are approximately 2.5 mm, metallic greenish-black. Females bite oilseed rape buds and lay their eggs inside. Adults and larvae attack buds and flowers, resulting in withered buds and reduced pod set. In oilseed rape, adult and larval feeding can lead to bud abortion and reduced pod set. Damage rarely results in reduced yields for winter crops. Spring crops are more vulnerable, as the susceptible green/yellow bud stage often coincides with beetle migration.