The Pest Survey Program at DATCP continues detection work for new and emerging invasive plant pests that threaten Wisconsin’s agricultural and natural resources. For the 2023 season, the program is planning a detection survey for two destructive, economically significant vegetable pests: leek moth and swede midge. And the department is looking for growers to help!
Leek moth (Acrolepiopsis assectella) is an allium (onion, garlic, and leek) pest and potential new invader that has not yet been found in Wisconsin.
Swede midge (Contarinia nasturtii) is a pest of brassica crops (broccoli, cabbage, and kale) documented for the first time in the state in 2019.
This survey is cooperator-driven and will rely on assistance from vegetable growers willing to set and monitor traps from June 1 through August 31. Cooperators will receive two traps per pest, sticky liners, and pheromone lures, along with instructions for setting the traps. The traps are non-toxic, organic compatible and will last for the 12-week survey period. The trap liners and lures will need to be replaced monthly.
At the end of the season, cooperators will mail the trap liners back to the DATCP entomologist for screening. There is no cost to participate and no minimum acreage required. If you grow alliums and brassicas and would like to join this pest detection effort, please email Krista Hamilton at [email protected] by May 8 with:
Your name
Phone number
Garden, farm or field location (County, address, GPS coordinates if possible)
DATCP will screen and identify all trap samples. Growers will be advised if swede midge or leek moth is detected on their farm or in their garden, but specific field locations and grower information will not otherwise be shared.
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