A potentially serious threat to Michigan’s cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower and other crucifers has been found in the state for the first time in five organic production fields in Sanilac County. The Swede midge’s developing larvae cause swelling and severe distortion of young plant tissues, resulting in the death of the growing tip or the development of blind or multiple heads in cruciferous plants. At this point, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and Michigan State University AgBioResearch do not know how the pest was introduced into the state. Native to Europe and southwestern Asia, Swede midge was identified in North America in 2000, when it was first discovered in Ontario, Canada. MSU Extension will be working to determine the extent of the infestation in Michigan, developing monitoring and control recommendations, and educating growers. Swede midge will be a topic at the Great Lakes Fruit, Vegetable and Farm Market Expo in Grand Rapids on December 8-10, 2015. Crucifer crop growers are strongly encouraged to attend.
