Features: Tiny mosquito-like insects that have caused serious damage to wheat
and barley crops in many parts of the world
Where it's from: Hessian flies are widespread in the USA and Europe. Other
countries such as New Zealand, Africa, the Middle East and the Russian Federation
have had detections of one or both of the pests.
How it spreads: Importation of infested crops, straw and other plant materials
At risk: Wheat, barley, triticale and rye
Both species of adult hessian fly are tiny and mosquito-like. Scott Bauer, USDA Agricultural Research Service, Bugwood.org
Hessian flies (Mayetiola destructor and M. hordei) are serious pests of cereal crops and one of the most damaging insect pests in the world. It attacks the whole above ground part of cereal plants, resulting in stunted growth, less grain and a poor-quality crop. Up to 40 per cent crop losses have been recorded in severe infestations overseas, with the US and Spain reporting large amounts of damage in fields.
The fly in its adult stage is mosquito-like, just 2-4 mm long, and very difficult to control with pesticides. Females lay eggs on the upper surface of leaves, and larvae (grubs) make their way down to the leaf stem where they feed, damaging the plant.
If hessian flies were to make their way to Australia, they would damage grain crops, and some of our trading partners would reject our exports of grain and hay, to avoid importing the pest as well.
Hessian fly damage in the foreground. John C. French Sr., Retired, Universities: Auburn, GA, Clemson and U of MO, Bugwood.orgFlaxseed-like pupae are found at the base of the plant, here wheat. John C. French Sr., Bugwood.org
Importing goods
To keep hessian fly out of Australia, never ignore Australia’s strict biosecurity rules.
