In the peaceful world of gardening, a new threat is emerging, sending shivers down the spines of agapanthus lovers across France. Indeed, the agapanthus gall midge, a small African insect that was previously harmless, is becoming a growing scourge for these majestic plants. With an increase in cases in France, the question is no longer if, but rather when and how this pest can be stopped. What is the impact of the agapanthus gall midge on our agapanthuses? How can we identify the signs of this infestation? Are there effective control methods to protect agapanthuses across the country? The beauty of our gardens is at stake: it is time to act!
Agapanthus Gall Midge: What is this insect?
The agapanthus gall midge, or Enigmadiplosis agapanthi, is a particularly harmful pest for agapanthuses. This insect, which belongs to the Cecidomyiidae family, originates from South Africa, like the agapanthuses themselves, but has since migrated to other parts of the world, including Europe.
The agapanthus gall midge is a tiny midge whose larvae develop within the buds and stems of agapanthuses, causing deformities and often inhibiting flowering. The damage can be significant, potentially leading to the death of the plant in the most severe (but very rare) cases.
The insect is so minuscule that only symptoms can help us determine its presence rather than direct observation.
What are the symptoms of an infestation?
Signs of an infestation by the agapanthus gall midge may include deformed or unopened flower buds, stems that wilt or turn yellow or brown, and the presence of small white larvae or orange pupae inside the stems or buds. The larvae of the agapanthus gall midge develop within the flower buds themselves. In cases of severe infestation, the entire flowering may be halted in agapanthus crops.
How to act?
Controlling this pest can be challenging, as there is no specifically approved control method for the agapanthus gall midge. Control methods include the removal and destruction of the infested parts of the plant. But there is no need to uproot or remove your agapanthuses! Research is ongoing to find other effective control methods against this pest. However, we remain hopeful that a natural predator will come to regulate the gall midges naturally. Fingers crossed!
What is the situation in France?
Let’s not panic just yet! In Europe, the first official observations were recorded in the UK in 2015, followed by the south-west of France in 2017 and then Brittany in 2019. Since then, the agapanthus gall midge has been steadily progressing without the situation being, for now at least, truly alarming. However, the national agapanthus conservatory on the island of Bréhat, in Côtes d'Armor, is sounding the alarm and urging gardeners to be vigilant. Be sure to check your agapanthuses at home, in your gardens, and act quickly by removing the parts of the plant suspected of being attacked by this gall midge.
In Belgium, for now, the agapanthus gall midge seems to be absent. (Note: yes, we assure you, certain agapanthuses more resistant to cold, such as the Agapanthus 'Black Buddhist', can be grown in Belgium and northern France, but in well-drained soil or in pots!)
To learn more, here is the document from the Ministry of Agriculture on the subject.
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