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Latest news on Wheat Blossom MidgeUK - June 11, 2010 The next week is likely to be critical for crops at the susceptible stage for female wheat blossom midges' laying eggs and any wheat crops at the susceptible growth stage (GS 53-59, ears emerged) must be monitored closely over the next 7 to 10 days. Dow AgroSciences Pestwatch reports that pupation of Wheat Blossom Midge has advanced considerably and the mean level of pupation in 2010 is about double that recorded at approximately the same time in 2009. "Pupation has been recorded at six out of eight monitored sites (75%). The mean percentage pupation was 15.1% (range 0-50.0%). No pupae were found at the Wiltshire site or at Duggleby in North Yorkshire, although pupae were detected at both sites last week, so it is likely some of these have progressed to adult stages. Following recent rain, midge development will not be restricted by inadequate soil moisture and populations are likely to continue to develop to the pupal stage whilst soil temperatures remain above 13°C. Please go to www.dowagro.com.uk to see how midges are emerging," says Sarah Hurry of Dow AgroSciences.
County Location % as pupae She points out that the weather is forecast to be unsettled and showery, although in the south it is likely to be warmer and dryer than the north. "Localised showers are forecast and, whilst this is not ideal for adult midge migration, many crops are still not beyond the susceptible stage. Adult male Orange Wheat Blossom Midge have already been recorded in pheromone traps at a wide range of sites including Cereals 2010. This is a good early warning of midge activity." Sarah advises growers to use Dow AgroSciences Risk Assessment Charts to identify wheat fields at high risk and also to monitor of traps at the most susceptible sites. "High risk sites are those wheat fields where the pest was noted last year, especially if no treatment was carried out. The economic risk is highest in crops intended for seed or milling. This is reflected in the lower threshold of one midge per 6 ears. The threshold for feed wheat is one midge per 3 ears." "If thresholds are met or exceeded and crops are at the susceptible GS 53-59 (ears emerged) growth stage, then be prepared to apply Dursban WG at 0.6 kg/ha in 200 to 1000 litres of water per hectare (leaving a voluntary unsprayed headland of at least 12 metres). Dursban WG will control all the life stages of the pest, giving the grower the widest window of opportunity and flexibility to control this pest. In association with FWAG, Dow AgroSciences recommend a voluntary 12 metre buffer from the edge of the field as part of integrated pest management best practice." "If you want to learn more about Wheat Blossom Midge, Dow AgroSciences have created an e-training module to help you identify risk factors and guide you to adopt appropriate and effective control measures, whilst minimising the impact on the environment. The e-learning module can be found on-line at www.dowagroadvice.co.uk. " For further information, please contact Sarah Hurry, Dow AgroSciences on the Dow Technical Hotline on 0800 689 8899.
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