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Swede midge a problem for southeast Michigan vegetable growers

Some southeast Michigan vegetable growers are seeing damage from Swede midge.

The tiny insect feeds on cruciferous crops like broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage.

Entomologist Mark Abrahamson says Swede midge produces multiple generations during the growing season, one of a few reasons why the pest is hard to manage.

“They have proven themselves to be pretty cold-hardy.  They’ve been able to move themselves across Canada, so winter doesn’t seem to be a significant issue for them.  But over time we’ll see if there are other things we learn that tend to contribute to bigger midge populations or smaller.”

He tells Brownfield growers scouting for Swede midge might need help.

“The problem is the flies are very tiny and difficult to identify unless you have some training working with that insect.”

Swede midge—native to Europe and southwestern Asia—was first discovered in Michigan two years ago.

Michigan State University Extension describes it as about two millimeters in length, with hairy wings and a light brown or orange body.