We should see emergence begin in the central part of the state by early next week. The northern counties will have emergence of females by July 4. Expected Emergence Dates for Female Wheat Midge Growers in Pierce, Benson, Eddy, Wells, Foster, Stutsman and LaMoure counties should be vigilant due to the overwintering levels of midge in their county soils. In past surveys, overwintering populations had been relatively low.
Monitoring is essential.
Field scouting must be in the evening from 9 p.m. until midnight. Wheat midge adults can be seen laying eggs on the wheat heads. Monitor fields from head emergence until 80 percent of the heads have anthers visible. When anthers are visible, a wheat head is flowering. Visit three or four different sites in the field.