Identification in Aegilops species of resistant sources to Hessian fly (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) in Morocco

Abstract

Hessian fly, Mayetiola destructor (Say), is the major insect pest of wheat in Morocco. Host plant resistance has been the most effective and practical method of controlling this pest. When 347 accessions of Aegilops species were screened in the greenhouse for resistance to Hessian fly, several accessions of Ae. geniculata Roth, Ae. triuncialis L., Ae. neglecta Req.ex Bertol., Ae. ventricosa Tausch, Ae. cylindrica Host and Ae. markgrafii (Greuter) Hammer showed resistance reaction. All expressed antibiosis as the mechanism of resistance against first instar Hessian fly larvae. These Aegilops sources of resistance could be exploited for transferring Hessian fly resistance to wheat.