HESSIAN FLY

(Mayetiola or Phytophaga destructor), small fly of the gall midge (q.v.) family Cecidomyiidae (order Diptera); it is very destructive to wheat crops. Though a native of Asia it was transported into Europe and later into North America, supposedly in the straw bedding of Hessian troops during the U.S. War of Independence (1775-83). In the spring the dark-coloured female lays about 250 to 300 reddish eggs on young wheat, barley, or rye plants. After several days the larvae, which are red at first but soon turn white, emerge; they feed for about a month on the plant sap. They then develop into capsules (puparia), which give rise to adult flies that live about three days, just long enough to lay eggs. This second generation passes the winter as pupae affixed to wheat stubble. In the spring they develop into adults, completing the cycle. When conditions are favourable, additional generations may occur between the spring and autumn ones. The best method for combatting the Hessian fly is to delay planting long enough in the spring that the plants do not grow until after the adult has emerged, laid its eggs, and died. Some varieties of wheat have proved to be resistant. Deep plowing of wheat stubble helps prevent emergence of the flies in the spring.