2014 Wheat Midge Forecast

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The wheat midge forecast for 2014 indicates a general decrease for midge risk in southern Alberta and a large increase for midge risk in the eastern Peace Region. Individual fields throughout southern and central Alberta are showing moderate to high midge pressure but generally midge pressure is low in those regions. 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. 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 2013 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. Due to midge pressure in the Peace region the intensity of the sampling was increased in that area. In total 330 samples were taken from 59 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 2014. 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 of the province growers are urged to monitor their wheat fields from wheat head emergence to anthesis (the susceptible stage) for the presence of midge adults. 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 2014. 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 guide	Economic thresholds	Frequently Asked Questions
Life cycle information	Midge tolerant wheat varieities	Midge pheromone trap supplier

Parasitism of midge larvae by a small wasp species (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:

Battle River Research Group	Chinook Applied Research Association
Farming Smarter	Lakeland Applied Research Association
Mackenzie Applied Research Association	Northern Peace Applied Research Association
Smoky Applied Research and Demonstration Association	Mountain View County
Parkland County	County of Two Hills
MD Wainwright	MD of Smoky River
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Beaverlodge Staff	Pest Surveillance Branch AARD

Our map was produced by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Saskatoon SK

Updates of current conditions and wheat midge emergence will be available through the Ag-Info Centre (310 FARM) during the 2014 growing season.

Follow this link for a printable version of the map.

Thank you David Giffen, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Saskatoon for building the map.

To see the wheat midge forecast map for 2013 including the BC Peace region, follow this link.

2014 Wheat Midge Forecast

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