ARS | Publication request: Advances in Wheat Stem Sawfly Management

Submitted to: XXI International Congress of Entomology, Proceedings
Publication Type: Abstract
Publication Acceptance Date: May 15, 2004
Publication Date: August 15, 2004
Citation: Shanower, T.G., Morrill, W.L., Weaver, D.K., Hoelmer, K.A., Berzonsky, W.A. Advances in wheat stem sawfly management. International Congress of Entomology, Brisbane, Australia. 15-20 August 2004.

Technical Abstract: Wheat stem sawflies (Hymenoptera: Cephidae) are key pests of wheat in the northern hemisphere. At least seven species of sawfly attack wheat in different parts of the world. Yield losses of more than 30% have been reported from North America, Europe, North Africa, and Asia. Current management practices include the use of resistant wheat cultivars, various cultural control practices, and biological control. Chemical control is not cost effective in North America and Europe, and is not widely practiced in other wheat production areas. We review the status and impact of wheat stems sawflies in different global regions, and current pest management alternatives. Several new sawfly resistant wheat cultivars have been released in the past few years. Recent research on cultural practices, particularly integrating tillage and biological control, are also highlighted. Finally, progress in finding and importing new exotic biological control agents for Cephus cintus, a pest species in western North America, is also summarized.