Hessian fly (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) virulence in Louisiana: assessment of field populations from 2023 to efficacy of 27 Hessian fly resistance genes in wheat

The Hessian fly, Mayetiola destructor (Say), is one of the most important insect pest plaguing wheat (Triticum aestivum, L) producers across the United States and around the world. Genetic resistance is the stalwart for control of Hessian fly. However, new genotypes (biotypes) arise in deployment of wheat containing resistance genes, so field populations must be evaluated periodically to provide information on the efficacy of those deployed genes. Louisiana (LA), with its diverse agricultural landscape, is not exempt from the challenges posed by this destructive pest. We previously documented the resistance response of wheat lines harboring Hessian fly resistance (H) genes against field populations collected in 2008 from across the southeastern United States, including Iberville Parish, LA. In the spring of 2023, we reevaluated the resistance response of 27 H genes from the field populations collected from Iberville Parish, LA, and compared the results with those observed in 2008. Sixteen H genes showed comparable resistance to the field populations from both years. While 3 of the H genes, H11, H23, and H24, showed a significant decrease in resistance, 2 genes, H16 and H31, had marked increase in resistance. Furthermore, 6 additional H genes were evaluated in 2023, with 4 showing >70% resistance. Our results clearly identify a total of 20 H genes that are moderate to highly effective against the 2023 Hessian fly population from Iberville Parish, LA. The resistance response documented in this study offers valuable information to wheat breeders in the region for effective management of this insect pest.