Wheat Midge Populations

Except for pockets in northwest North Dakota there is a decreased level of overwintering wheat midge larvae across the state for the 2015 season. The high risk pockets of 800 to 1200 midge larvae per square meter are concentrated in Mountrail and Divide Counties. Areas with moderate risk of 501-800 midge larvae per square meter are located in only Williams County.

The above numbers were found through a survey of 196 soil samples from 21 counties analyzed by the entomology department of NDSU. More details and population maps can be found at http://www.ag.ndsu.edu/williamscountyextension.

If an early spring planting occurs (prior to 200 growing degree days for wheat midge) wheat development likely will be ahead of wheat midge emergence, resulting in no damage to the crop.