Current Research:
Our lab conducts several projects every year, all of which are intended to benefit wheat growers. See below for project descriptions and progress updates. This list will be updated periodically to reflect our new initiatives.
Our lab conducts several projects every year, all of which are intended to benefit wheat growers. See below for project descriptions and progress updates. This list will be updated periodically to reflect our new initiatives.
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Statewide survey: Since 2013, our lab has conducted an infestation survey of over 15 wheat-producing CO counties. Our goal is to keep growers informed of sawfly outbreaks and help them prepare accordingly. Our results are typically available in the fall via Colorado Wheat. |
Paetra Vroman-Lucas (student researcher) collecting samples from a statewide survey site.
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Sawfly flight monitoring: We track WSS emergence every year at New Raymer and Orchard, CO. This enables us to provide growers with timely updates about when they can expect to see sawflies in the field. We post our observations in bi-weekly newsletters at Colorado Wheat. |
Collection of sawfly adults with a sweep net at New Raymer, CO. Photo credit: Henrique Vieira.
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Screening for novel sources of WSS resistance: We collaborate with the Wheat Genetics Resource Center to screen wheat lines for resistance to WSS infestation. Thousands of plants are grown in our greenhouse, then transported to the field for WSS exposure. The performance of each line is evaluated, aiding future breeding efforts.
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Wheat lines being placed in the field for WSS exposure. Photo credit: Henrique Vieira.
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Parasitoid wasp introductions: Our "Beneficial Bug Baler" project is performed in collaboration with the USDA-ARS and UNL. Straws bales containing Bracon cephi larvae (which target WSS within wheat stems) are transported to CO and unfurled in grower fields. We are trying to establish sustainable parasitoid populations with these introductions. |
Straw bales containing parasitoid wasps being transported to CO. Photo credit: Cody Hardy (USDA-ARS).
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Evaluating fungal strains for WSS control: We are evaluating both commercial fungi and strains of Fusarium spp. for efficacy against WSS larvae. These strains are expected to be entomopathogenic and not cause damage to wheat crops. Our lab is engaged in both field and greenhouse screenings for this initiative. |
Progression of fungal infection in a WSS larvae. Photo credit: Venkatesh Padimi.
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CO aphid and mite survey: We will be surveying for aphid and mite outbreaks across several CO locations. Due to a high prevalence of these pests in the field in 2025, we seek to provide growers with frequents updates for the coming year. Results will be available via Colorado Wheat. |
Aphid infestation observed in Burlington, CO.
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