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 Saddle Gall midge

 

 

 

           
    

 

SADDLE GALL MIDGE

 

In 2011 Dow AgroSciences received numerous reports of agronomists finding huge numbers of bright reddy-orange larvae and cocoons in the soils in the spring especially in Buckinghamshire, Cambridgeshire and Suffolk. As the season progressed more reports of bright orange larvae on wheat tillers were received from a wider geographical area including Scotland. As wheats matured some agronomists also noticed white heads and brackling. The cause was a pest, Saddle Gall Midge – Haplodiplosis marginata, which at present is proving difficult to control and in some areas has severely affected yield.

 

As part of our support to farmers and agronomists in improved understanding, Dow AgroSciences together with the HGCA have commissioned ADAS to monitor the development of Saddle Gall Midge in wheat during Spring 2012. Wheat, barley, rye and, to a lesser extent, oats, can all be affected by Saddle Gall Midge. Most reports of damage last year were in wheat crops.

       

 

 

 

Saddle Gall Midge

Report 8: 18th May 2012

 

As part of our support to farmers and agronomists in improving understanding of this pest, Dow AgroSciences together with the HGCA have commissioned ADAS to monitor the development of Saddle Gall midge in wheat this spring - a pest which in some areas severely affected yield last year.

 

Learn more about Saddle Gall Midge.

 

ADAS are monitoring two continuous winter wheat sites in Buckinghamshire with a history of Saddle Gall midge. Large numbers of orange-red mobile larvae were found earlier this spring and the start of pupation has been detected at both sites.

 

With this pupation, not surprisingly adults are now being caught in sticky traps on both sites. Luke Cotton, the agronomist, has easily found adults and eggs in the Wendover monitored field (Gallant Winter Wheat at GS 39); only one egg-laying site found so far at Cadmore End.

 

Last year adult emergence and egg-laying took place over a prolonged period. The slow movement in pupation would suggest these sightings maybe just the start of emergence. Remember the populations of larvae found this spring were high - in excess of 9 million/Ha!      

 

We would be interested in any reports you have of this pest, especially details of whether you are seeing adults, which you are happy to share. Please either email UKHotline@dow.com or send via Twitter.

 

There are no approved insecticide treatments with recommendations specifically for control of Saddle Gall Midge. Dow AgroSciences are pleased to lend our experience to and be associated with the initiative to find a solution to this troublesome pest.

 

 

Use plant protection products safely. Always read the label and product information before use. For further information including warning phrases and symbols refer to label.

 

 

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