Sound knowledge is the key to controlling Orange Wheat Blossom midge

UK - June 15, 2005

Knowledge transfer and education has played a major part in controlling Orange Wheat Blossom Midge (OWBM) this year.

For the second year in succession a major hatch of OWBM coincided with wheat ear emergence, says Dow AgroSciences. But the key to successful OWBM control has been recognising risk and correct decision-making on choice and timing of insecticides, rather than blanket spraying at the first sight of the pest.

"The industry knows a lot more about OWBM now than a few years ago. Alongside HGCA and the distributor network this year Dow has focussed on delivering that information out to arable farmers," says Dow's insecticides marketing specialist James Knight.

Getting the messages out on susceptible growth stages, the correct weather conditions for midge emergence and best practice for treating with Dursban WG (chlorpyrifos) has played a role in reducing the impact of OWBM.

Dow AgroSciences is re-emphasising those messages on its stand at Cereals 2005. Growers can inspect wheat variety plots of varying susceptibility to attack from OWBM that were treated with Dursban WG and a pyrethroid on 7th June.

And some wheat growers will still be dealing with OWBM. Dow's PestWatch service indicates that adult emergence has been protracted by the drier weather and a few colder nights, slowing it down and spreading it out.

"Keep an eye on those late emerging ears as the odd shower of rain could still encourage another flush of adults," advises Mr Knight.