Management of Swede Midge with Cultural Controls and Selected Insecticides

Abstract

The swede midge (SM) is a serious pest of cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower. The first occurrence of SM in North America was in Ontario , Canada (2000) and has forced some farmers to cease growing crucifers. In 2005 we verified that SM was present in Cattaraugus, Erie , Genesee, Madison , Monroe , Niagara, Orleans , St. Lawrence and Wyoming Counties . There is an urgent need to test management practices. We conducted a series of tests to determine the role of soil type and moisture on emergence of swede midge adults from the soil and whether selected insecticides on transplants could be an effective way of reducing the movement of contaminated plants.