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Wheat Midge

Overview

Wheat midge (Sitodiplosis mosellana) is a significant pest that can cause substantial damage to wheat crops, resulting in yield losses and poor grain quality, and can increase the risk of secondary infections, such as Fusarium head blight.

The life cycle of wheat midge begins with adult midges laying their eggs on the wheat heads. Once the eggs hatch, the larvae feed on the developing kernels, disrupting the grain formation process. This leads to the formation of shriveled, discolored, and less marketable wheat kernels. Severe infestations can result in yield reductions of up to 50%.

(Image Credit: Lesley Ingram, Bugwood.org)

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How to Identify Wheat Midge

Adult midges are small, orange-colored flies measuring about 2-3 mm in length. They can be seen hovering around the wheat heads during the flowering stage. The larvae of wheat midge are also small and orange-colored, resembling tiny worms. They can be found inside damaged kernels, causing further harm to wheat crops.

During the flowering stage of wheat, be vigilant for signs of wheat midge infestation. Adult midges emerge from the soil and lay their eggs on the wheat heads. The hatched larvae then feed on the developing kernels, causing damage. Discolored and shriveled kernels are also indicators of damage caused by wheat midge larvae.

Regular scouting during the flowering stage allows for early detection of adult midges and their eggs. Taking timely action is essential to minimize damage.

Regions Affected by Wheat Midge

Wheat midge is most prevalent in regions with a temperate climate, particularly in North America and Europe. In North America, the Canadian Prairie provinces, including Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba, are heavily affected by this pest. In Europe, countries like the United Kingdom, France, and Germany also face significant challenges with wheat midge infestations.

However, the distribution of wheat midge can vary from year to year, depending on weather patterns and pest management practices. Staying updated with local reports and recommendations is crucial for effective management.

(Image Credit: Gerald Holmes, Strawberry Center, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Bugwood.org)

How to Manage Wheat Midge

Before taking chemical steps to address a wheat midge infestation, first incorporate Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices, such as:

  • crop rotation

  • trap crops

  • biological control strategies

If chemical action becomes necessary to protect wheat crops, several insecticides have shown effectiveness against wheat midge larvae. These crop protection products include such as Willowood Lambda-Cy 1EC* or other insecticides with the active ingredient chlorpyrifos. Note, however, that chlorpyrifos products were banned for application in the United States in 2021, but they have been reinstated for the 2024 growing season. Consult your local agronomist for the latest use updates.

Follow label instructions and recommendations from local agricultural extension services for safe and effective application. Timing is critical: apply insecticides during the early stages of larval development. Pay attention to application rates and the pre-harvest interval to minimize risks and ensure no chemical residues in harvested grain.

Disclaimer

© 2014 - 2024 Farmer's Business Network, Inc. All rights Reserved. The sprout logo, “Farmers Business Network”, “FBN”, “FBN Direct” are trademarks or registered trademarks of Farmer's Business Network, Inc. This content was written by Norm℠, reviewed and edited by Mikaela Tierney.

This content was generated with the assistance of NormSM, FBN’s artificial intelligence (AI) Ag Advisor, based on a dataset of information containing general industry best practices and research. The AI model did not use specific external sources to generate this content. Our process involves using AI to aid human subject matter experts with the initial drafting and/or refinement of content. The information and content provided is believed to be reliable, but its accuracy is not guaranteed. The content is provided for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for specific agronomic, business, or professional advice, and should not be relied upon as such. Neither Farmer's Business Network Inc. nor any of its affiliates makes any representations or warranties, express or implied, as to the accuracy or completeness of the statements or any information contained in the material and any liability therefore is expressly disclaimed. If you have any questions or feedback about the content, please feel free to contact us or visit our FAQ.

FBN Direct products and services and other products distributed by FBN Direct are offered by FBN Inputs, LLC and are available only in states where FBN Inputs, LLC is licensed and where those products are registered for sale or use, if applicable. If applicable, please check with your local extension service to ensure registration status. Nothing contained on this page, including the prices listed should be construed as an offer for sale, or a sale of products. All products and prices are subject to change at any time and without notice and excludes CA mills tax and MN ACRRA fees. Terms and conditions apply.

ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW LABEL DIRECTIONS. It is a violation of federal and state law to use any pesticide product other than in accordance with its label. The distribution, sale and use of an unregistered pesticide is a violation of federal and/or state law and is strictly prohibited. We do not guarantee the accuracy of any information provided on this page or which is provided by us in any form. It is your responsibility to confirm prior to purchase and use that a product is labeled for your specific purposes, including, but not limited to, your target crop or pest and its compatibility with other products in a tank mix and that the usage of a product is otherwise consistent with federal, state and local laws. We reserve the right to restrict sales on a geographic basis in our sole discretion. You must have a valid applicator license to use restricted use pesticides. Please consult your state department of agriculture for complete rules and regulations on the use of restricted use pesticides, as some products require specific record-keeping requirements.

*Willowood Lambda-Cy 1EC is a restricted use pesticide.

*RESTRICTED USE PESTICIDE Due to acute toxicity. For retail sale to and use by certified applicators only – NOT to be used by uncertified persons working under the supervision of a certified applicator.

Every product that labels WHEAT MIDGE as a weed, pest, or disease the product can be applied against is shown below. Click any product for label and more information.
Bolton™Chlorpyrifos 4E AGChlorpyrifos 4E-AGCobalt® AdvancedCobalt® InsecticideDimate 4EDimethoate 2.67Dimethoate 4ECDimethoate LV-4Fyfanon® ULV AGFyfanon® ULV AG (67760-35)Govern® 4EHatchet® InsecticideLambdafos™ InsecticideLorsban® 75 WGLorsban® Advanced InsecticideLorsban®-4E InsecticideLunge™ InsecticideNufos® 4E (RUP)Vulcan®Warhawk®Warhawk® ClearForm®Whirlwind®Yuma® 4E

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