Ramsey County

July 9, 2007

Howdy!!!
What a warm weekend this past one was.  I am not a hot weather person so spent much of my time confined to a shady area.  I did however find time to do some yard work and spent even more time watering my entire yard.  It is hard to imagine how we can be so wet and in a matter of three weeks be to the point of needing water.  We were notified last week to be on the outlook for Wheat midge.  Grass hoppers are showing up along with other insects that inhabit places that we prefer that they did not. 

This past 4^th of July brought tears to my eyes as we watched fireworks at Woodland Resort.  Several people purchased fireworks and provided great air entertainment for a couple of hours.  There were many people lined up around the beach area for the fabulous show.  We not only got to watch that show but in the background got to see the city spectacular, as well, but the thing that brought tears to my eyes was the music background provided by the same bunch of young men.  There was music provided to not only make us ‘Proud to be an American’ down to the national anthem.  We have many things we like to complain about but when we stop to think of what we actually have we are very lucky compared to other places in the world.  One last thing I want to mention is to  make sure you check out the Right to life Garden tour on July 12^th.  There are many homes to visit and a very good way to come up with some ideas for your yard.     

Wheat midge is being observed in areas with low larval cocoon counts the previous year. Some fields are at economic thresholds, especially in wheat fields that are in susceptible crop stages - heading through mid-flowering. Early planted fields that are past mid-flowering were not at threshold levels. So, continue to scout for adult midge to avoid unnecessary losses, since wheat prices are high. The weather conditions have been unusually favorable for wheat midge:  moist soils, high humidity and warm night temperatures. Monitor for adult midge during late evenings (after 9:00 PM) with warm night temperatures >60 F and light winds <6 mph. Economic thresholds are:

- Hard Red Spring Wheat = one wheat midge per 4-5 heads

- Durum = one wheat midge per 7-8 heads. 

Be careful not to confuse the Lauxanid fly with wheat midge. The Lauxanid fly is larger (2.5-4 mm), more robust body, and yellowish-brown in color; in contrast, the wheat midge is smaller (2-3 mm), more delicate fly, and orange in color. It is an active flyer during the day and early evening. At night, the Lauxanid can be observed resting in the wheat canopy in a horizontal position; in contrast, the wheat midge rests with its head pointing upwards and flutters from plant to plant.

            The degree day model for wheat midge indicates that the northern tier is close to 50% emergence completed for the female wheat midge, while the southern tier is at the end of wheat midge emergence. The estimated high-risk planting dates for economic infestations of wheat midge include: May 7 to May 17 for the northern tier; May 3 to May 13 for the central tier; and May 1 to May 10 for the southern tier. These dates are only estimated and will vary with your local environmental conditions. For example, favorable weather conditions for wheat midge can extend the period of egg laying and longevity of adult midges.

Calendar
            July 12             Relay for Life Garden Tour
            July 17             Carrington Field Days
            July 17             Ramsey County crop tour 2pm
            July 18             North Central Field Days
            July 19             Langdon field days

524 4th Ave NE #5, 2nd Floor Ramsey County Courthouse
Devils Lake  ND  58301
701-662-7027
email - ramsey@ndsuext.nodak.edu

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