Welcome to the Swede Midge Information Center for the United States

Swede midge (Contarinia nasturtii Kieffer) is a serious insect pest of cruciferous (Brassica) plants such as cabbage, cauliflower and broccoli because the larvae feed on and disfigure or destroy the growing tip of the plant. The first discovery of swede midge in the US was in 2004 on a broccoli farm in Niagara County, NY. The insect is native to Europe and southwestern Asia and has been known in North America only since 2000 when it was identified in Ontario, Canada. Swede midge has the potential to spread to most crucifer growing areas in the US and Canada. As of 2022, the midge has been documented in 19 Canadian provinces and US states, with most economic damage occurring in the East.