Swede Midge

Swede Midge is a tiny yet destructive insect which is a pest of canola.

Where did it Come From?

Swede Midge was introduced to Canada from northern Europe. It arrived first in Ontario and is now spreading east and west; becoming a real threat to canola producers. Swede Midge has been found in Manitoba and Saskatchewan and will likely find its way to Alberta.

What are the Risks?

The midge is a very small mosquito-type insect that lays its eggs in the flower bud of the canola plant. The larvae that hatch from the eggs quickly begin to feed on the bud, inflicting a great deal of damage.

Mitigating the risk of Swede Midge in canola

Prevention

Although the Swede Midge is still some distance from the Peace Region, we need to be aware of its spread in the next few years, and help prevent the establishment within our County. The midge is not a very strong flyer, so the following guidelines will help to slow down its arrival:

• Practice a good crop rotation program;
• Avoid planting canola near a field that has been previously seeded to canola, allowing 1,500 to 3,000 foot separation between fields;
• Avoid seeding canola on canola to ensure there is no rapid increase in populations;
• Plant as early as possible to reduce chances of the midge being active during the canola crops most vulnerable time; and
• Control all volunteer canola plants in other crops being grown.

Related Links

Getting to know Swede Midge

Review of Pest Status of the Swede Midge in Canada

Building a Swede Midge trap