Prairie Pest Update #13

Bertha armyworm, diamondback moth, lygus bugs, wheat midge, and more

Weather synopsis – Below is the Accumulated Precipitation for the Growing Season

Wheat Midge (Sitodiplosis mosellana) – The predicted percent of wheat midge emerged across the prairies has been mapped below using prairie-wide temperature data for the present growing season. The map below predicts midge emergence (as of July 28, 2014) is drawing to an end for the growing season.

Wheat midge biology and monitoring information can be located by clicking here or linking to your provincial fact sheet (Saskatchewan Agriculture, Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development). REMEMBER that in-field counts of wheat midge per head remain the basis of economic threshold decision. Also remember that the parasitoid, Macroglenes penetrans, is now out actively searching for wheat midge. Preserve this parasitoid whenever possible and remember your insecticide control options for wheat midge also kill these beneficial insects which help reduce midge populations.

In-field monitoring for wheat midge should be carried out in the evening (preferably after 8:30 pm or later) when the female midges are most active. On warm (at least 15ºC), calm evenings, the midge can be observed in the field, laying their eggs on the wheat heads. Midge populations can be estimated by counting the number of adults present on 4 or 5 wheat heads. Inspect the field daily in at least 3 or 4 locations during the evening.

July 30, 2014 - Prairie Pest Monitoring Weekly Update

Source: Alberta Canola Producers Commission