Oilseed rape growers have been told to expect significant migration as of next week, as temperatures rise and crops begin to flower.

Rothamsted researcher Sam Cook says the latest forecast from online Bayer’s pollen beetle prediction tool shows early pest migration is under way across many part of the UK.

Although temperatures have reached the threshold to see migration begin, there have not been enough sustained periods of warmth to encourage any significant migration so far, but forecasts suggest that could be about to change.

See also: The ultimate guide to crop disease and pest forecasting tools

“While we may see more met stations turn red on the migration start map, the forecast remains too cool to favour significant migration.

“It’s now looking like it’ll be April before we see pollen beetles in significant numbers,” says Dr Cook.

Pollen beetle migration is being reported mostly in the western half of the country on the back of generally warmer temperatures in these regions.

Parts of the home counties, Norfolk, the west country and Wales up to north Yorkshire and Scotland are now highlighted red on Bayer’s pollen beetle interactive map, indicating that migration has started.

Agrii agronomist Todd Jex is reporting early pollen beetle instances in Dorset and Wiltshire.

https://twitter.com/Agronomist_Todd/status/712594603497627652

Pollen beetle traps are also recording low levels of pest movement in Shefford, Bedfordshire.

https://twitter.com/MartinHarwood11/status/712339460470415360

Independent agronomist David Jones warns growers should be on the look out for the pest as oilseed rape crops reach the flowering growth stages.

Soon be looking out for pollen beetle if/when it reaches 15 C. Check plant numbers now for @AHDB_Cereals thresholds pic.twitter.com/pwPWO3X0bX

— David Jones (@Kenya_Agron) March 23, 2016

Early sightings of pollen beetle activity in Rougham, Suffolk, are also being flagged up.

First signs of pollen beetle at Rougham #InnovationCentre today @SyngentaCropsUK #iOSR pic.twitter.com/JNoSZI4ORc

— Georgina Wood (@georgiemaywood) March 23, 2016

See the latest information at the dedicated Bayer Pollen Beetle Predictor webpage.

Keep the Farmers Weekly Arable team updated on pest and disease pressures on your farm and send in your photos on Twitter by mentioning @FarmersWeekly in your tweets.