Extension Report

Baldwin County Extension Office

302A Byrne Street

Bay Minette, AL  36507

Richard Petcher

Regional Extension Agent

Agronomic Crops  

August 19, 2008                                                                                                          

Wheat Hessian Fly Management Practices

Entomologist across the South agree that Hessian fly could be a major problem in wheat production this upcoming year.   This is because wheat acres have increased, acres are not easily rotated, increased conservation tillage, and the prevalence of Hessian fly biotypes that overcome the resistance of most of the commercial varieties of wheat now available. 

1.   The best defense against Hessian fly is to plant resistant wheat varieties. The biotype L Hessian fly is now in Southwest Alabama.  They appear to be heavier in Baldwin, Mobile and Washington counties than they are in Escambia, Clarke, Monroe, Conecuh and Butler.   The only varieties so far that are resistant to biotype L Hessian fly and are recommended for South Alabama are Pioneer 26R61, AGS 2010 and AGS 2026.

       The varieties Coker 9663, Coker 9553, Fleming, Pioneer 26R87 and  

USG 3209 are  susceptible to most strains of Hessian fly that we have

here.

       All of the other varieties on the recommended list for our area have

resistance to most southern strains of Hessian fly except biotype L.

2.     For winter grazing or cover crops consider planting a non host crop like rye or oats.  Or plant a Hessian fly resistant wheat.

3.       If possible use a tillage method that will bury the wheat stuble.  Burning will help control the Hessian fly as it kills the eggs in the stalk, however burning will not kill the flax eggs that fall on the ground.  

4.     Control volunteer wheat.  Hessian fly usually start their cycle in early September. Do not use susceptible wheat for wildlife plantings.

5.     Rotate, avoid planting continous wheat in the same field.  This helps, however adult Hessian flies will fly up to one mile to search for host plants. 

6.     Do not plant wheat before the recommended planting date.  In South Alabama some medium maturity varieties like AGS 2000 will perform well planted November 1.  The earlier varieties will perform better if planted November 15 and later.  The later growers plant their wheat the greater protection their wheat from Hessian fly. 

7.       If a susceptible variety is grown, consider using a systemic seed treatment at the full rate. These include Gauch0 480, Gaucho 600, Gaucho XT and Cruiser 5FS.

8.       Using foliar insecticides after planting to control Hessian fly is difficult.  This application must be applied when adults are actively laying eggs and larvae are hatching.  In South Alabama, egg laying varies with weather conditions and it may difficult to properly time an application.  When planting early a treatment of Warrior or Karate 30 days after planting may be effective.   

       For more information the revised version of the Hessian fly fact sheet is on line, http://www.aces.edu/pubs/docs/A/ANR-1069/ANR-1069.pdf

Email address: rpetcher@aces.edu

Phone number: 937-7176 or 943-5611, 928-0860, ext. 2222

Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work in agriculture and home economics, Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, and other related acts, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The Alabama Cooperative Extension System (Alabama A&M University and Auburn University) offers educational programs, materials, and equal opportunity employment to all people without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, veteran status, or disability.

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