Chokecherry midge

The chokecherry midge (Contarinia virginianiae) is a specialized insect pest belonging to the gall midge family (Cecidomyiidae) within the order Diptera. This minute fly is a serious pest that primarily targets trees of the Prunus genus, with a strong preference for chokecherry (Prunus virginiana).

The midge primarily damages the reproductive parts of the host plant. The larvae invade the developing ovaries of the fruit, feeding on the internal tissues. This activity leads to significant crop loss and the deformation of the affected fruits, rendering them useless for harvest.

The life cycle of the chokecherry midge is synchronized with the phenology of the host tree. Adult midges emerge in the spring, coinciding with the budding period. Females oviposit directly into the flowers or young ovaries, where the emerging larvae begin their development, triggering the plant to form characteristic galls.

The signs of infestation include the abnormal swelling of the fruit, which often takes on a distorted, bladder-like appearance. These galls prevent normal fruit ripening and often cause premature abscission. Inside the gall, one can observe white or yellow larvae that eventually drop to the soil to pupate.

Effective management strategies focus on cultural controls, such as the diligent removal and destruction of infested fruits to reduce the overwintering population. Additionally, cultivating the soil beneath the trees in late autumn or early spring can disrupt the pupation cycle of the midge, significantly decreasing its numbers for the following season.