The North Dakota Wheat Commission has again funded the fall wheat midge survey for 2019. The purpose of this soil survey is to identify areas of increasing wheat midge populations in the northern region of the state. The survey also allows a risk map to be generated for the 2020 growing season so that producers may be alerted to potential wheat midge risks. Although populations of wheat midge have been low in recent years, populations fluctuate year to year based on favorable environment and when wheat was planted.

Soil samples for the survey will be collected by NDSU Extension Agriculture Agents in 21 counties from the northern half of North Dakota. Survey protocols and supplies arrived in county offices in August. Collection of samples can begin as soon as the fields have been harvested and is scheduled to conclude near the end of October. Samples are collected on a 12 mile grid. There will be nine samples collected in Pierce County.

After the samples have been evaluated, a state map showing the midge levels will be released. Producers can anticipate the release of this data near the beginning of the New Year.

For more information on wheat midge, check out NDSU publication E-1330 “Integrated Pest Management of the Wheat Midge in North Dakota” available online at “http://www.ag.ndsu.edu/pubs/plantsci/pests/e1330.pdf”>www.ag.ndsu.edu/pubs/plantsci/pests/e1330.pdf.

Soybean Cyst Nematode Sampling Program Continues

NDSU Extension and the North Dakota Soybean Council are working together again to coordinate a Soybean Cyst Nematode (SCN) soil testing program. A total of 2,000 SCN soil test bags will be available on a first come first serve basis.

As in the past, pre-labeled SCN soil test bags have been sent to each County office in the state. The bags (and instruction sheets) began arriving in County Extension offices in mid- August and the Pierce County office has 25 bags available to growers on a first-come first-serve basis. Growers are able to obtain up to three SCN soil test bags each. Each bag is pre-marked with billing information that will be covered by the North Dakota Soybean Council.

To submit a sample, fill the bag with soil, provide site information and send the bag to the partner lab (Agvise). Results will be mailed directly to the growers and the laboratory fees are covered by checkoff dollars from the North Dakota Soybean Council.

As has been done since 2013, NDSU will use egg levels and geospatial positions of samples to create a map of SCN in North Dakota. This map helps growers know where SCN is occurring and moving. Importantly, NDSU does not have access to any personal information just the egg level and geospatial data to generate a map.

Detailed information about the program, sampling strategy and the danger that SCN poses to yield can be obtained by visiting your local NDSU Extension Service County office or by taking a look at NDSU publication PP1732 “Plant Disease Management: Soybean Cyst Nematode” available online at www.ag.ndsu.edu/publications/crops/plant-disease-management-soybean-cyst-nematode.

Schmidt is the NDSU Extension agent for Pierce County.