-EPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST 1918 53 
the maggots and such atmospheric conditions are also favorable to 
activity by the midges. On the other hand, dry, warm weather 
would tend to restrict the time when the midges can deposit eggs 
successfully by hastening the development of the grain and par- 
ticularly its hardening, the latter probably vitally afiecting the suc- 
cessful development of the maggots. There is a very close relation 
between the development of the related Hessian fly and the condition 
of the grain. Soft-stemmed varieties are frequently very seriously 
injured while nearby stiffer-stemmed varieties are almost immune 
from attack. Striking variations may also be seen in different parts 
of a field, the more succulent-stemmed grain growing on moist land 
suffering more than the harder stalks of the same variety on gravelly 
knolls. ‘The spring and early summer of both 1917 and 1918 were 
unusually cool and moist and the midge appears to have been excep- 
tionally numerous. This at least suggests an intimate connection 
between the welfare of the insect and climatic conditions at the time 
the grain is developing. Weather conditions can not be changed. 
If the above is true, however, the probabilities favor decidedly less 
injury than during the last two seasons. 
Control measures. The prolonged period during which wheat 
midges may be in flight and the general distribution of the insect 
throughout the grain-producing areas renders it extremely improbable 
that practical modifications in time of sowing, in rotation of crops 
or method of preparation, would have any very material influence 
upon this pest. We are strongly of the opinion, however, that the 
best possible preparation of the soil so as to promote a vigorous 
growth is of importance in the production of a medium to fair crop 
in spite of midge infestation. 
We therefore advise following previous methods and using the 
same varieties, varying only in giving if possible better preparation. 
Otherwise changes may result in even more serious ‘osses, specially 
if this be in the date of sowing, since an earlier seeding. as many 
growers have learned to their cost, may result in great injury by 
Hessian fly. 
Bibliography 
The following are some of the more important references to this 
insect, though no attempt has been made to compile the ong list 
of general notices regarding wheat midge, since these can easily 
be obtained by reference to well-known bibliographical works | 
1857 Gehin, J. B. Notes Pour Servir a L’Histoire des Insectes Nuisibles a 
L’Agriculture dans le Department de la Moselle, no. 2, Insectes qui 
attaquent les bles, p. 19-38 (Cecidomyia) 
