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Swede Midge

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Common Name: Swede Midge
Scientific Name: Contarinia nasturtii
Origin: Europe and southwestern Asia

Description

The swede midge is a small, light brown fly. They begin to emerge in May, lasting until mid-June. The adult females lay about 100 eggs throughout their short lifetime of 1 to 4 days. The larvae hatch after 3 days, when they then begin to feed on plants. Plants include cruciferous vegetable crops such as cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts. Also, canola, collard, horseradish, kale, mustard, rutabaga, turnip, and radish

Habitat

These insects are dependent on a moist habitat, such as irrigated agricultural land.

Threat

Swede midge larvae can be detrimental to plant tissue, especially that of vegetable crops. As they feed, they produce a secretion that breaks down the surface of the plant and liquefies the cell contents. This results in damage to the growing tips. Crops affected by the swede midge include cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, brussel sprouts, and others.

Management

Because use of insecticides is a difficult control method, the most effective management form is preventing the further spread of this species.

Distribution: View Map

The swede midge is found throughout Ontario, Quebec, and New York State. It is present in the FL-PRISM.