Grain stem gall midge fact sheet
Grain stem gall midges are three related species of tiny flies. Their adult stages are shortlived but the larval stages of these midges are serious pests of grain crops. While no grain stem gall midge species are currently found in Australia, they have a major impact on grain production overseas – particularly in Europe and North America. Each of the main pest species of this group are quite specialized to feed on either wheat (Hessian fly, Mayetiola destructor), barley (Barley stem gall midge, Mayetiola hordei) or oats (Oat midge, Mayetiola avenae) respectively. Chemical control of these midges is generally ineffective because the larvae migrate to and feed within the stem base of host plants
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