BIOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT OF ARTHROPOD PESTS OF WINTER WHEAT IN COLORADO

The goal of this project is to develop cost effective and environmentally sound management approaches for arthropod pests of Colorado winter wheat, with the primary emphasis on wheat stem sawfly.Project objectives are as follows:Monitor the extent and rate of spread of wheat stem sawfly into Colorado wheat production areas.Assess solid-stem and other wheat varieties for resistance to wheat stem sawfly.Improve methods for identifying plant resistance to wheat stem sawfly.Determine what wheat stem sawfly infestation levels justify planting solid stem varieties or implementing other control measures in the following season.Evaluate wheat stem sawfly control methods developed elsewhere for their adaptability to Colorado conditions.Improve chemical control of arthropod pests of wheat through safer and more effective insecticides and more efficient application techniques.