Identification & Incidence: Lodging and stem breakage of wheat in the early summer plus the presence of flaxseeds (puparia of the fly) near the joints are primary indicators of Hessian fly injury, which also causes stunted growth and thin stands. Life cycle includes 2 generations per year, of which adults of the 2nd generation concludes egg laying between late September and early October in Ohio.
Sampling & Assessment: Wheat fields should be scouted in June to determine presence or absence of problem.
Management Options: Primary cultural practice for preventing problem is planting wheat in the fall after fly-free dates. Use of resistant varieties should be emphasized.
Wheat sown on or after the date indicated for each county will escape most egg deposition by the fall brood of Hessian fly.