Wheat stem sawfly cutting

In the high wheat stem sawfly (WSS) pressure areas of the province, we are beginning to see impacts of WSS. When WSS place their eggs into the stem of a wheat plant, the subsequent larvae will feed their way through the stem. Once it reaches the bottom of the stem, it will notch a hole in the stem. The notch causes a weakness in stem stability and lodging of the stem is likely. While the feeding of WSS can reduce yields, lodging of the stems will impact harvestability and quality of the crop.

Farmers are recommended to scout their wheat fields for lodging. Lodged areas can be swathed to prevent more lodging and capture as much yield as possible. Producers should also dissect wheat stems to determine the percentage of cut stems. When 10-15 per cent of the dissected stems contain cutting from WSS, it is recommended that a solid-stemmed variety be grown in following years. 

For more historical WSS risk areas, click here

For more information on WSS management, click here