Swede Midge |
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Background
The swede midge, Contarinia nasturtii (Kieffer), (also known as the cabbage midge or crown gallfly), is a Eurasian pest of crucifers, especially those grown in clay soil. The swede midge is an exotic cecidomyiid fly, one of a diverse family with over 1200 species native to North America. It was detected in Niagara County, NY in September 2004.
In 2001, Canadian researchers discovered that this exotic pest was causing damage that was costing Ontario farmers approximately 85% of their broccoli crops. Farmers had observed heavy losses in broccoli since 1994 and had erroneously attributed the problem to a molybdenum nutrient deficiency. University of Guelph researchers surveyed crucifer crop fields by mailing out yellow sticky cards to farmers in Ontario and Québec that, when returned, held swede midges. Swede midge has been found in 23 counties in Ontario and 26 counties in Quebec.
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News and Information
- Canada Agricultural Situation Plant Health Measures to Limit Spread of Swede Midge 2002 (Foreign Agricultural Service)
- North American Plant Protection Organization (NAPPO)
- HYPP Zoology Page
- Cornell
University News Release (2/3/2003)
- Cornell University Cooperative Extension IPM Fact Sheet
Swede Midge in Canada
- Distribution and development of the swede midge, Contarinia nasturtii, in Ontario, Canada
- List of Regulated Countries and Regulated Areas within Canada for Swede Midge
- Swede Midge - Contarinia nasturtii
- Swede Midge Certification Program (SMCP
Maps
Contact:
Dr. Alan Dowdy
Program Manager
301-734-5356
E-mail: Alan.K.Dowdy@aphis.usda.gov