Integrated pest management strategies for the invasive orchid blossom midge (Contarinia maculipennis Felt.)

Orchid blossom midge (Contarinia maculipennis Felt.) is a tiny Cecidomyiid fly that infests cut flowers such as orchids, jasmine, and tuberose. As a small insect, the midge can adapt to various environments, evolving new survival strategies, including overcoming climatic barriers. Midge has recently been identified as a major pest for cut-flower cultivators, posing substantial harm, especially to tuberose, reducing their attractiveness to customers. In orchid farms, it infests and damages the flower buds of Dendrobium, especially during the early stages, resulting in substantial yield loss. Abiotic conditions, in conjunction with orchid species, facilitate midge's access to its host plants; yet gaps in comprehending these relationships have impeded research. A major concern is its infestation within flower buds, which has prompted scientists to prioritize management strategies. Despite efforts toward sustainable management, controlling this pest remains a challenge. This review covers the host range, geographic distribution, molecular taxonomy, biology, seasonal occurrence, the influence of lunar phases on adult emergence, volatile studies, and various approaches for managing the orchid blossom midge.