Has this midge tolerant system proven to be as effective as spraying Lorsban?
There is very little experience yet with field scale production of varieties carrying the Sm1 gene and comparing it with field scale use of insecticides. However, field research suggests that the Sm1 gene is very effective in protecting the crop from large scale losses in yield due to wheat midge. There may be some down-grading in varieties carrying the Sm1 gene since midge larvae need to feed on wheat kernels before they die.
