Orange Blossom wheat midge (Sitodiplosis mosellana)

Authors: SHRESTHA, GOVINDA - Oregon State University; Reddy, Gadi V.P.

Submitted to: Advances in Understanding Insect Pests Affecting Wheat and Other Cereals
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/21/2022
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: The wheat midge is one of the most destructive pests of wheat worldwide. Most wheat varieties are susceptible to wheat midge, but a rising number of tolerant varieties to wheat midge are becoming available. The alternative host plants for wheat are reported on other members of the grass family together with barley, couch grass, in-between wheat grass and rye, levels. Depending on the geographical region, for example, in North America, wheat midge is a key pest of spring wheat and durum wheat, while it is a major pest of winter wheat in Europe and Asia. The larva feeds on developing wheat kernels that causes shriveling of kernels, reducing yield and lowering the grain grade quality. When there is no pest control measure and have a high infestation outbreaks, the crop losses can reach 100%. The purpose of book chapter is to review the general morphology, life cycle, crop damage, and the current integrated pest management strategies to combat this pest problem in the northern Great Plains.

Technical Abstract: The wheat midge, also known for orange wheat blossom midge, Sitodiplosis mosellana (Géhin) (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae), is one of the most destructive pests of wheat, Triticum aestivum L. worldwide. S. mosellana is an oligophagous pest of Poaceae family; it feeds on several grass host plants including, rye (Secale cereal L.) barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), couch grasses (Elymus repens L.) and slender meadow foxtail, (Alopecurus myosuroides Huds.); but it is widely known for a pest of wheat. This pest is native to Europe and was accidentally introduced to North America in 1800s and Asia in 1900s. Depending on the geographical region, for example, in North America, wheat midge is a key pest of spring wheat and durum wheat, while it is a major pest of winter wheat in Europe and Asia. The larva is only the damaging stage of wheat midge. It feeds on developing wheat kernels that causes shriveling of kernels, reducing yield and lowering the grain grade quality. When there is no S. mosellana pest control measure and have a high infestation outbreaks, the crop losses can reach 100%. The purpose of book chapter is to review the general morphology, life cycle, crop damage, and the current integrated pest management (IPM) strategies to combat this pest problem in the northern Great Plains of United States and Canada.