Hessian Fly Resistant Wheat Varieties

Reduce wheat losses due to Hessian fly and increase yield

"The improved Hessian Fly Resistant Wheat Varieties are specially bred wheat plants that have a natural ability to defend themselves against the Hessian fly, a destructive insect. These varieties have been carefully developed to withstand attacks from the fly's larvae, which can cause significant damage to regular wheat crops. This defense mechanism acts like a shield, safeguarding the wheat from harm. These plants have been created through selective breeding methods, resulting in strong and resilient crops. This technology provides a vital tool for farmers, offering a practical and effective solution to protect their wheat fields and secure their harvests."

This technology is TAAT1 validated.

8•8

Scaling readiness: idea maturity 8/9; level of use 8/9

Adults 18 and over: Positive medium

The poor: Positive medium

Under 18: Positive low

Women: Positive low

Climate adaptability: Highly adaptable

Farmer climate change readiness: Significant improvement

Biodiversity: No impact on biodiversity

Carbon footprint: Same amount of carbon released

Environmental health: Greatly improves environmental health

Soil quality: Does not affect soil health and fertility

Water use: A bit less water used

Problem

Pervasive Hessian Fly Threat: The relentless presence of the Hessian fly, a highly destructive insect, relentlessly threatens wheat production in affected regions.
Devastating Crop Damage: The voracious larvae of the Hessian fly wreak havoc on wheat crops, causing extensive and costly damage.
Fragility of Young Seedlings: Young wheat seedlings are particularly fragile and susceptible to severe damage by Hessian fly larvae, compromising the crop's overall success.
Persistent Feeding Site Establishment: As the wheat crop grows, Hessian fly larvae establish feeding sites beneath the leaf sheath, exacerbating the damage.
Reliance on Chemicals: The over-reliance on chemical pesticides as a control method poses environmental and economic concerns.

Solution

Resistant Varieties: Planting Hessian Fly Resistant Wheat Varieties provides a natural barrier against infestations.
Reduced Crop Damage: These varieties significantly decrease damage caused by Hessian fly larvae, ensuring healthier crops.
Economic Safeguard: By using resistant varieties, farmers protect wheat yields, reducing economic losses from Hessian fly damage.
Enhanced Seedling Protection: Resistant varieties offer a vital defense, particularly for vulnerable young seedlings.
Sustainable Pest Control: The technology reduces reliance on chemical pesticides, offering an eco-friendly and cost-effective solution.

Key points to design your project

This technology promotes gender inclusion by enhancing nutrition, offering essential nutrients, and improving food security in Africa. Additionally, it aligns with Sustainable Development Goals by addressing hunger and poverty, particularly benefiting women and children.

To integrate this technology into your project, create a list of project activities and prerequisites:

- Estimate the quantity/cost of seed needed for your project knowing that the price tag of certified seed for wheat that withstands the insect pest ranges between 35 and 43 USD per hectare when purchased from international markets. Preventing severe Hessian fly outbreaks requires coordinated efforts among local and regional farmers to cultivate 50% to 80% of cropland with resistant wheat varieties.

- As the technology is available in Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Kenya, Mali, Mozambique, Senegal, Sudan, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe, include the delivery cost to the project site and account for import clearance and duties if relevant.

A team of trainers could provide training and support during project installation. Include the cost for monitoring pest outbreaks, training and post-training support for using the technology.

Communication support for the technology should be developed (flyers, videos, radio broadcasts, etc.)

For better optimization of this technology, it is recommended to Integrated Management of Insects, Diseases and Weeds in Wheat.

To implement the technology in your country, you could collaborate with agricultural development institutes and seed multiplication companies.

Cost: $$$ 35—43 USD

Seed needed per ha

ROI: $$$

79—100 %

Protection of plants from pests

5.5—7.1 tons/ha

yield potential

105 USD

Additional production of forages per ha

IP

Countries with a green colour: Tested & adopted
Countries with a bright green colour: Adopted
Countries with a yellow colour: Tested
Countries with a blue colour: Testing ongoing

Countries where the technology is being tested or has been tested and adopted
Country	Testing ongoing	Tested	Adopted
Burkina Faso	–No ongoing testing	–Not tested	Adopted
Ethiopia	–No ongoing testing	–Not tested	Adopted
Kenya	–No ongoing testing	–Not tested	Adopted
Mali	–No ongoing testing	–Not tested	Adopted
Mozambique	–No ongoing testing	–Not tested	Adopted
Senegal	–No ongoing testing	–Not tested	Adopted
Sudan	–No ongoing testing	–Not tested	Adopted
Tanzania	–No ongoing testing	–Not tested	Adopted
Zambia	–No ongoing testing	–Not tested	Adopted
Zimbabwe	–No ongoing testing	–Not tested	Adopted

This technology can be used in the colored agro-ecological zones. Any zones shown in white are not suitable for this technology.

Agro-ecological zones where this technology can be used
AEZ	Subtropic - warm	Subtropic - cool	Tropic - warm	Tropic - cool
Arid
Semiarid
Subhumid
Humid

Source: HarvestChoice/IFPRI 2009

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals that are applicable to this technology.

Goal 1: no poverty

Goal 2: zero hunger

Goal 8: decent work and economic growth

Obtain Certified Seed: Acquire certified Hessian Fly Resistant Wheat seed from reputable sources.
Planting Process: Follow standard local recommendations for planting, including seeding depth and spacing.
Complementary Practices:
- Adhere to Planting Schedules: Follow recommended planting schedules for the specific region and climate.
- Destruction of Reservoir Hosts (Green Bridges): Clear surrounding areas of potential host plants to minimize fly populations.
- Use of Insecticides (if necessary): Apply insecticides as a supplementary measure if required, following recommended guidelines.
Monitor Crop Regularly: Keep a close eye on the crop throughout its growth stages to assess its resistance to Hessian fly infestations.