ARS | Publication request: RESEARCH ON THE WHEAT STEM SAWFLY

Submitted to: Miscellaneous Publishing Information Bulletin
Publication Type: Research Notes
Publication Acceptance Date: June 13, 2002
Publication Date: June 19, 2002
Citation: SHANOWER, T.G. RESEARCH ON THE WHEAT STEM SAWFLY. June 16, 2002. Sidney Herald-Leader, Sidney, MT. V. 94, Issue 48. P. 1B.

Technical Abstract: The wheat stem sawfly, Cephus cinctus, is a widely distributed, key pest of wheat in the northern Great Plains. Yield losses of up to 80% have been reported from Montana and even light infestations reduce profits. Current management practices are limited to using resistant wheat cultivars or various tillage operations to destroy sawfly larvae or pupae in the stubble. This article reviews current management practices and on-going research for new methods. Research at the USDA-ARS Northern Plains Agricultural Research Laboratory is focused on biological control. A new parasite from a different species of sawfly, was collected in China and is being evaluated in the quarantine. It is not yet clear whether it will be an effective biological control agent.