Swede Midge Website
Julie Kikkert, Team Leader, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Cornell Vegetable Program
Swede midge, a relatively new pest to the U.S., damages the growth points of 'cole crops' or plants in the cabbage family (Brassicaceae). CCE Cornell Vegetable Program (CVP) Specialists and Cornell University Entomologists began a major effort to locate and manage swede midge in 2001 when they first heard that the pest had begun to wreak havoc in neighboring Ontario, Canada. In the ensuing 9 years, the Cornell team collaborated with Canadian and European colleagues to refine detection and management methods for swede midge. The pest is now known to be present throughout Ontario and Quebec, Canada and New York State. It has also been detected in several surrounding states and provinces.
As swede midge continues its spread to more farms and gardens across the U.S., a new comprehensive website is available to aid in the identification and management of this pest. The website was developed by Julie Kikkert and Christy Hoepting, CVP vegetable specialists, and Tony Shelton and Mao Chen, Dept. of Entomology, Cornell University. The website features maps of the distribution of swede midge, protocols on insect monitoring and identification, best management practices for farms and home gardens, a photo gallery of damage symptoms and a comprehensive resource section.
visit swede midge website
Upcoming Events
Wine Sensory Evaluation Workshop
April 26, 2024 : Wine Sensory Evaluation Workshop
Staatsburg, NY
In collaboration with Jeremy Schuster, Viticulture Specialist at the ENYCHP, Dr. Anna Katharine Mansfield and Chris Gerling, Enology Extension Specialists with the Cornell Craft Beverage Institute, will be presenting a wine production-focused, interactive workshop on sensory evaluation.
What is my vine trying to tell me?
May 15, 2024 : What is my vine trying to tell me?
Plattsburgh, NY
Are your grapevines showing signs of discoloration or stunted growth? Don't ignore these warning signs! Join us on May 15th at the Cliton County CCE office to learn about the essential nutrients that grapevines require to thrive, identify the symptoms of nutrient deficiencies, and how to fix them. Don't miss out on this opportunity to improve your grapevine cultivation skills! Attendance is free, but registration is required.
How man's best friend can help find Spotted Lanternfly
May 21, 2024
Millbrook, NY
Come and join us at the Dutchess County CCE office on May 21st for a special demonstration by Jennifer Fimbel, the Agriculture and Horticulture Program Leader with Dutchess County CCE. You will get to see her SLF K9 Cole in action as they demonstrate how man's best friend can be used to detect the Spotted Lanternfly. Attendance is free, but registration is required