Greetings Everyone! I just received the email below from Tyler Adams (Agent in Cumberland County) about the Hessian Fly. I thought this information was timely and beneficial. More information coming in the upcoming blog.
Sincerely,
Rick Morris- Harvey’s Agronomist
Just a quick update, I have looked at several different wheat fields today in Cumberland County that have the Hessian Fly pupae in the wheat. When these come out of the pupa stage and into the maggot stage, that is when they will do the damage. NCSU has done research to show that a spring pesticide application does not have a great affect on these pest or yield impacts. The pest are found at the base of the plant beneath the soil, right above the roots and look like a purple seed about 1/4 inch long. This insect can cause a great amount of yield loss. The fields that I have looked at today are potentially greater than 50% yield loss. Below is a link to read more about the Hessian Fly. Please help spread the word as not many people have email.
https://entomology.ces.ncsu.edu/2016/03/disc-or-spray-your-wheat-infested-with-hessian-fly/