Which wheat pest's overwintering is associated with flaxseed?

Which wheat pest's overwintering is associated with flaxseed?

• A. Aphids
• B. Hessian flies
• C. Wheat curl mites
• D. Wheat head armyworms

Answer: (B)

The pest that overwinters in association with flaxseed is the Hessian fly. The Hessian fly survives the winter as puparia in flax straw and other crop residues. When spring arrives, these puparia emerge as adults that lay eggs on young wheat seedlings. The emerging larvae then feed on the developing wheat, causing stunted growth and potential yield loss. This link to flax straw is a key reason flax residue management helps reduce Hessian fly risk. The other pests don’t have a specific, well-known association with overwintering in flaxseed straw, so their overwintering habits aren’t tied to flax in the same way.

The pest that overwinters in association with flaxseed is the Hessian fly. The Hessian fly survives the winter as puparia in flax straw and other crop residues. When spring arrives, these puparia emerge as adults that lay eggs on young wheat seedlings. The emerging larvae then feed on the developing wheat, causing stunted growth and potential yield loss. This link to flax straw is a key reason flax residue management helps reduce Hessian fly risk. The other pests don’t have a specific, well-known association with overwintering in flaxseed straw, so their overwintering habits aren’t tied to flax in the same way.