Syngenta offers control solutions for wheat stem sawfly in Northern plains

Date:06-21-2011

Wheat stem sawfly populations are on the rise, particularly in some of the highest wheat-producing regions of the country, including western North Dakota, Montana and South Dakota. Syngenta in North America is working to deliver agribusiness solutions for managing wheat stem sawfly, including producing heartier seed varieties, for growers most affected by this yield-robbing pest.
 
According to researchers at North Dakota State University, North Dakota wheat producers lost between $25 million and $70 million in 2009, based on current production totals and crop values. Wheat stem sawfly populations have increased steadily over the past decade, with the worst yield loss occurring in southwestern North Dakota.
 
Montana State University spring wheat breeder Luther Talbert reports the wheat stem sawfly is the most destructive pest in Montana, costing wheat producers $25 million annually.
 
Syngenta to Market SY Tyra in 2012

"Syngenta researchers are working vigorously to develop varieties that will help lessen the effects and populations of wheat stem sawfly in this region, particularly in hard red spring wheat,” said David Boehm, Syngenta business manager, Northern Plains district. “SY Tyra, a solid-stem hard red spring wheat that is adapted to western North Dakota and Montana, is being released to our AgriPro® Associates this summer and will be available to wheat producers as certified seed for the 2012 growing season.”
 
Solid-stem varieties aid in the fight against the wheat stem sawfly, as it is more difficult for the young larvae to damage the wheat stems. Historically, some solid-stem varieties haven’t yielded as well; however, two-year average yield data across all Montana State University testing locations shows SY Tyra as the No. 1 yielding hard red spring line.
 
 
"Using solid-stem varieties that have high yield potential, such as SY Tyra, may offer the best management option for growers in this region battling wheat stem sawfly,” Boehm concluded.