Destruction of volunteer wheat is an important part of pest management for which pests?

• A. Aphids
• B. Hessian flies
• C. Wheat curl mites
• D. All of the above

Answer: (D)

Destruction of volunteer wheat targets a common source of early-season pest pressure. Volunteer wheat that sprouts in or around fields provides an easy host and breeding site for several pests before the main crop is fully established. Hessian flies lay eggs on young wheat, so removing volunteers cuts off key eggs-laying sites. The wheat curl mite overwinters on volunteer wheat and can build populations that spread Wheat streak mosaic virus; getting rid of volunteers reduces this inoculum. Aphids can also colonize volunteer wheat early and move into the crop, so eliminating these volunteers helps lower initial aphid pressure as well. Because volunteer wheat serves as a reservoir for all of these pests, destroying it helps manage each one, making all of the above the best choice.