Wheat varieties with genetic resistance to orange wheat blossom midge became commercially available more than 10 years ago. Denoted by the VB (varietal blend) designation after their varietal name, many midge-tolerant varieties are now available in all classes of spring wheat as well as durum with all the attributes of the most popular regular varieties.
Insecticide control options have been dramatically diminished and favourable weather can increase wheat midge making midge-tolerant varieties more important than ever in the 2023 growing season and beyond.
