Swede Midge (Contarinia nasturtii)
Swede Midge (Contarinia nasturtii) is an exotic pest of crucifers, especially those grown in clay soils. In 2001 Canadian
scientists determined this pest was costing Ontario farmers upwards of 85% of their crops. Since then swede midge has been
found in at least 23 Ontario counties and 26 Quebec counties. In 2004 the pest was detected in Niagara county, New York
along the Canadian border. Further survey has shown the pest to be established in at least 21 New York counties in the
western half of the state. Ohio has a modest crucifer industry, but given the state's proximity to New York and that the
pest has not been surveyed for previously this pest was deemed suitable for survey. In 2009 in cooperation with Ohio State
University Extension entomology three sites were trapped in two north central Ohio counties.
Update on Swede Midge: in 2009 a single swede midge specimen was caught in a trap in Ottawa county. This is the
first record for swede midge for Ohio.
|
