New Crop Rotation Recommendations for Swede Midge
Christy Hoepting, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Cornell Vegetable Program
New Cornell research has demonstrated that brassica crop rotations of 500 ft (down from 3000 ft) and 3 months (down from 3 years) could effectively "crash" a swede midge population when fields are secluded from each other, making crop rotation a much more feasible strategy for small farms. A new fact sheet details the new crop rotation recommendations and provides information on the pest's life cycle, biology, and crop preferences in addition to real-world examples of crop rotation. The crop rotation strategies were developed to serve the needs of small organic farmers, but have utility for conventional farmers as well.
New Crop Rotation Recommendations for Swede Midge



Upcoming Events
Allegany-Steuben Summer Vegetable Meeting, 2025

August 19, 2025
Wellsville, NY
Field walk featuring crop protection best practices, skill practice, and farmer-to-farmer discussions. Vine crop fruit diseases and insect management, tomato foliar diseases including late blight, and cole crops will be special focuses.
2.0 DEC credits available in 1a, 10 and 23.
2025 Chipping Potato Twilight Meeting

September 4, 2025
Dansville, NY
Join us for a brief, on-farm meeting including insect pest updates and viewing of the chipping potato variety trial. 1.0 DEC credits in categories 10, 1a, and 23 will be offered. Dinner follows!