Leaf-feeding sawflies in wheat

Abstract

The larvae, or “worms,” of sawflies resemble small, green caterpillars that feed on the leaves of various plants. Although sawflies are rarely an economically important problem in Oregon cereal crops, unusually large populations (300 larvae/10 sweeps) of one species, probably Pachynematus sp., were found in Umatilla County in 2003. The larvae were first noticed in May feeding vigorously on leaves, including flag leaves, of winter wheat near Adams, Oregon. Approximately 25,000 acres were treated for sawfly control in 2003. Additional acres had populations that did not warrant treatment. Population levels generally declined quickly beyond the locally affected area.