Source: Kansas State University Research & Extension

Wheat infested with Hessian flies now could pose a threat to next year’s wheat crop planted this fall. It is a good idea to start planning now to minimize this threat to fall-planted fields. 

Which wheat fields are most likely to be infested with Hessian fly in the fall? It depends on residue management, variety, planting date, the presence of nearby volunteer wheat, the use of insecticide seed treatments and crop rotation.

Residue management. Undisturbed stubble favors survival. Studies have shown that burning destroys flaxseeds present on the above-ground portion of the stem. A slow-moving fire is best, but stubble fires are often fast moving and affect top growth instead of burning out the crowns at or below the soil line where the majority of flaxseeds exist.

Variety. Often the best practice is to con­sider planting a resistant variety, where possible. Growers should consider this option carefully during times when fly populations appear to be increasing, especially when the intention is to plant early for fall pasture and where other options are limited. Consult with an extension agent for more information on performance of varieties in the area. Or see K-State Research and Extension publication MF-991 Wheat Variety and Disease Insect Ratings.

Planting date. In theory, waiting to plant until the best pest management planting date (BPMP) allows time for the main fall brood of adult Hessian flies to emerge and die before wheat is planted. Without live wheat plants, emerging females are deprived of a place to lay eggs, mini­mizing fall infestation. There is still some risk if a nearby infestation exists and a secondary fall brood develops.

The risk of fall infestation is almost always greater where wheat is planted before the BPMP date, especially during years favorable for fly development. Mild fall weather can reduce the effectiveness of using this date as a planting guide. The BPMP date may not always present the best planting date for optimum yield, but on average, it correlates well. The BPMP date can be used on an individual-field basis but will be more effective when it is practiced area wide.

Planting too late is also risky. Growers may be surprised to learn that delaying planting too late in the fall can actually increase the risk of Hessian fly infestation. While late planting dates may protect the field against fall infestation, the result is smaller plants in the spring. And when the spring brood of flies is active in March or April, those females prefer younger plants for egg laying. Thus, if a source of infestation is nearby, very-late-planted wheat of a susceptible variety may suffer extensive damage from spring infestations.

Volunteer wheat. Volunteer wheat that is allowed to grow for 2-3 weeks, especially in wet summers, can enable the fly to produce an extra brood and infest the planted crop in greater numbers. Volunteer wheat not only increases the population but also may render other practices, such as planting after the BPMP date, less effective. The adult fly is capable of dispersing to adjacent fields to lay eggs, so it is vital to destroy volunteer wheat in the area at least 2 weeks before the planted crop germinates. This practice also helps reduce the incidence of wheat streak mosaic virus.

Insecticide seed treatments. Studies have shown that systemic seed treatments may provide some control of Hessian fly larvae for up to 30 days. Depending on when the wheat is planted, this may protect plants through the egg-laying period in fall, or at least shorten the period of vulnerability before cold weather stops adult emergence and larval feeding. In either case, Hessian fly impact is reduced.

 Crop rotation. The Hessian fly has a limited host range and is not a migratory pest, so populations can be reduced by not planting wheat directly back into infested stubble.