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U.S. researchers find solution for devastating wheat midge

July 7, 2015, Kalispell, MT - Montana crop scientists have developed a wheat variety resistant to wheat midge, which has caused millions of dollars in damage to Montana wheat crops in the last 10 years.

Wheat midge has invaded 18 counties across Montana, laying siege to the billion-dollar wheat industry.

The midge-resistant wheat variety was developed by scientists at the Northwestern Agricultural Research Center in Creston, Montana. It is named "Egan" after Egan Slough, the epicenter of the original outbreak.

The resistance gene results in almost complete mortality of the wheat midge and its larvae.

Spring wheat growers across Montana will be able to purchase the blend of wheat in 2016.