2013 Wheat Midge Forecast

 
 
Subscribe to our free E-Newsletter, "Agri-News" (formerly RTW This Week)Agri-News
This Week
 
 
 
 Follow this link to return to the Alberta Insect Pest Monitoring Network home page.
.
The wheat midge forecast for 2013 indicates an increase in midge risk. Pockets of moderate to high risk are found in central and southern Alberta. Throughout central and southern Alberta individual fields could have a high population even if the forecast in the area is low. Producers should pay attention to midge downgrading in their wheat samples and use this as a further indication of midge risk in their fields. Wheat midge was confirmed in the Peace region in 2011 but the survey indicates that levels remain low there. Individual fields throughout Alberta may still have economic levels of midge. Each producer also needs to assess their risk based on indicators specific to their farm.

The 2012 fall survey included wheat growing areas throughout Alberta. The survey was expanded to all wheat growing areas of Alberta in 2011 including the peace region. In total 297 samples were taken from 57 counties. The survey involves taking soil samples from wheat fields after harvest using a standard soil probe. Larval cocoons are washed out of the soil using a specialized series of screens. Larvae are counted, and then dissected to determine if they are parasitized. The midge density displayed on the forecast map is based on viable (live, non-parasitized) midge larvae.

This forecast is not intended to take the place of individual field monitoring. The forecast for Alberta shows areas of risk for midge damage in 2013. It is important to note that over such a wide range, populations in individual fields can be and often are highly variable. Producers should plan to monitor their fields when the midge adults are flying and their wheat is in the susceptible stage. In all areas where midge is present growers are urged to monitor their wheat fields from wheat head emergence to anthesis (the susceptible stage). Regular field scouting on multiple nights in succession is important in understanding the population in a particular field.

Although a number of factors influence the overwintering survival of the midge, the survey and map provide a general picture of existing densities and the potential for infestation in 2013. Weather conditions, specifically temperature and moisture will ultimately determine the extent and timing of midge emergence during the growing season. Temperature and wind also play critical roles in egg laying activities of the adult female wheat midge. The level of damage from wheat midge is determined by the synchrony of wheat midge emergence and wheat coupled with the number of wheat midge.

Diagnostic guideEconomic thresholdsFrequently Asked Questions
Life cycle information Midge tolerant wheat varieities Pesticide Selector

Parasitism of midge larvae by small wasps (Macroglens penetrans) has been important in keeping wheat midge populations below the economic threshold in many areas. These beneficial wasps tend to thrive in warm, dry conditions. Parasite populations increase and decrease with changes in the midge population and are very important in moderating population levels in Alberta.

It is important to understand that once midge has established in an area it unlikely to ever completely disappear. Low lying and moist areas in a field provide a refuge, enabling the population to survive even when conditions are not favorable in the rest of the field. These low population levels, however, also help sustain a population of natural enemies.

The wheat midge survey was conducted by Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development with assistance from:

Solar Agri Services LtdBattle River Research Group
Chinook Applied Research Association Lakeland Applied Research Association
Northern Peace Applied Research AssociationSmoky Applied Research and Demonstration Association
Leduc CountyMountain View County
Parkland CountyCounty of Two Hills
MD WainwrightAgriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Beaverlodge Staff
Pest Surveillance Branch AARD
Updates of current conditions and wheat midge emergence will be available through the Ag-Info Centre (310 FARM) during the 2012 growing season.


Follow this link to return to the Alberta Insect Pest Monitoring Network home page.



 
 
 
 
Share via AddThis.com
For more information about the content of this document, contact Scott Meers.
This document is maintained by Shelley Barkley.
This information published to the web on December 10, 2012.
Last Reviewed/Revised on April 18, 2013.