First source of resistance in durum wheat to Hessian fly (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) in Morocco

Mustapha El Bouhssini, Nasserlehaq Nsarellah, Nachit Miloudi, A. Bentika, O. Benlahbib, S. Lhaloui. (1/4/1999). First source of resistance in durum wheat to Hessian fly (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) in Morocco. Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution, 46, pp. 107-109.

Abstract

Hessian fly, Mayetiola destructor (Say), is the major pest of wheat in North Africa. In Morocco, durum wheat (Triticum turgidum L. subsp. durum (Desf). Husn.) losses due to this pest have been estimated at 32%. Genetic resistance is the only economical and practical means of controlling this insect. Field and greenhouse screening of durum wheat genotypes resulted in the identification of one source of resistance to Hessian fly in Morocco. This is the first source of durum wheat Hessian fly-resistance identified in Morocco. This source of resistance expresses a medium level of antibiosis against first-instar Hessian fly larvae; about 25% of the larvae survive on resistant plants. The deployment of varieties that allow for larval survival on resistant plants should reduce selection for biotype development. This source of resistance is being used by CIMMYT/ICARDA and Moroccan breeders to develop resistant durum wheat varieties.