Disease control in oilseed rape: Current insights and perspectives for next‐generation integrated pest management

Abstract

Winter oilseed rape (WOSR; Brassica napus ) is a key crop in Europe; yet, diverse pathogens, including Pythium spp., Rhizoctonia solani, Plasmodiophora brassicae, Pyrenopeziza brassicae, Leptosphaeria maculans ( Plenodomus lingam ), Leptosphaeria biglobosa ( Plenodomus biglobosus ), Erysiphe cruciferarum, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, Alternaria brassicae, Alternaria brassicicola , and Verticillium longisporum frequently threaten its productivity. Integrated pest management (IPM) provides a sustainable framework for minimizing disease impact while reducing reliance on chemical fungicides. This review introduces current knowledge on IPM strategies for control of diseases in European WOSR, including crop rotation and residue management, tillage practices, sowing dates and plant density, host resistance and breeding strategies, and targeted fungicide applications guided by forecasting models that limit pathogen impact. Recent advances in decision support systems, remote sensing, and predictive disease modelling are highlighted, illustrating their potential to enhance precision and efficiency in disease management. We also discuss challenges such as climate variability, evolving pathogen populations, and policy and regulatory considerations, as well as future perspectives for integrating novel biological control agents, digital and biotech tools into IPM frameworks. Overall, this review provides a comprehensive overview of knowledge and emerging approaches, aiming to inform researchers and advisors on sustainable strategies for managing major WOSR diseases in Europe. © 2026 The Author(s). Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.