D3382: Monitoring Hessian fly parasitoids population in Texas

The Hessian fly, Mayetiola destructor (Say) (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae), is a destructive pest of wheat around the world. Implementing an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategy is pivotal for effective control. To identify biological control agents of Hessian fly in Texas, Hessian fly parasitoid populations were characterized in a Texas wheat field during Spring2023. Hessian fly puparia were collected each month from a susceptible wheat cultivar, ‘TAM204’, located in McGregor, TX from March to June of 2023. We collected 6-8 random samples each time in the same field by pulling around 100 wheat titers in each sample site. The parasitoids were collected upon emerging under lab condition. The specimens were morphologically identified, and specimen details were captured by high resolution macrophotography. The parasitoid population peaked in June with a 99% parasitism rate recorded from puparia collected in June 2023. Three parasitoid wasp species were identified: Homoporus destructor (Family Pteromalidae), Eupelmus allynii (Family Eupelmidae), Trichomalopsis subapterous (Family Pteromalidae). H. destructor was the most abundant parasitoid species consisting 67% of the total emerged wasps. T. subapterous and E. allyni accounted for 23% and 10% of the parasitoid wasp population, respectively. These results provide valuable insights into the abundance and seasonal dynamics of Hessian fly parasitoids in Texas.