North Texas wheat fields could be damaged by Hessian flies this fall, said an expert with Texas Cooperative Extension.

Infestations were unusually high in the area during the spring, which indicates that the tiny flies are likely to pervade wheat fields in coming months, said Dr. Allen Knutson, an Extension entomologist based in Dallas.

“We expect large numbers have over-summered in wheat stubble and will soon be emerging to infest planted wheat fields this fall.”

Producers should be concerned because adult flies can travel easily, he said. Although as small and delicate as a mosquito, the insect can fly or be carried by the wind up to a mile in search of wheat.

Hessian flies have been in Texas for more than 100 years. They are minor pests in most years, but a widespread outbreak occurred during the spring.

“The 2007 wheat crop looked excellent in April, but then damage by Hessian flies reduced yields by 25 percent to 75 percent in many area fields,” said Jim Swart, an Extension entomologist who specializes in integrated pest management. Yield potential in some fields was so low they were baled for hay, Swart said.

Growers, however, can protect the crop if they plan quickly. “There's no magic bullet that you could use to protect wheat from infestation, but there are some management practices that can be employed to reduce the risk,” Knutson said. Knutson and Swart offered the following advice: