Wheat blossom midge

Sitodiplosis mosellana

Overview:

Type of Pest: Sitodiplosis mosellana, commonly known as Orange Wheat Blossom Midge, is a midge species that poses a threat to wheat crops.

Physical Characteristics:

  • Size: Small, with adult midges measuring around 2 to 3 mm.
  • Color: Variable, ranging from orange to reddish-brown, with distinctive markings on the wings.

Life Cycle:

  • Egg Stage: Eggs are laid in wheat florets during the flowering stage.
  • Larval Stage: Larvae hatch from eggs and feed within the developing wheat kernels.
  • Pupal Stage: Pupation occurs in the soil.
  • Adult Stage: Fully developed midges emerge from pupae, and the cycle repeats.

Identification of Crop Infestation:

  • Damaged Wheat Kernels: Larvae feed inside developing wheat kernels, causing damage.
  • Stunted Heads: Infested wheat heads may appear stunted and fail to produce properly filled grains.
  • Larvae in Wheat Heads: Larvae may be found inside the wheat heads during the flowering stage.

Management Strategies:

  1. Cultural Practices:

    • Avoid Early Planting: Delay planting to avoid coinciding with the midge's peak emergence.
    • Early Harvest: Harvest crops early to reduce the impact of midge infestations.

  2. Biological Control:

    • Natural Enemies: Encourage natural predators such as parasitoid wasps and predatory beetles.
    • Nematodes: Some nematodes parasitize midge larvae in the soil.

  3. Chemical Control:

    • Insecticides: Application of insecticides may be necessary during the vulnerable stages of wheat development.
    • Monitoring and Thresholds: Use pheromone traps and monitoring to determine if insecticide application is necessary.

  4. Resistant Varieties:

    • Plant Resistant Varieties: Some wheat varieties may exhibit resistance to midge infestations.

  5. Timely Planting:

    • Avoid Peak Midge Emergence: Adjust planting dates to avoid the period of peak midge emergence.

Note: Orange Wheat Blossom Midge can cause significant yield losses in wheat crops. Integrated pest management (IPM) practices that combine cultural, biological, and chemical control methods are crucial for effective midge management. Always follow recommended guidelines and consult with local agricultural experts for site-specific recommendations.