Host Plant Resistance to Insect Pests in Wheat

Host plant resistance offers an excellent solution to pest problems, which reduces pesticide usage and environmental pollution. Host plant resistance to insect pests in wheat has enabled the management of major insect pests including Mayetiola destructor, Cephus cinctus, Diuraphis noxia, Schizaphis graminum, and Rhopalosiphum padi. The major sources of genetic diversity for pest resistance in wheat have been landraces cultivars of wheat and wild relatives. Several resistance genes have been identified and are incorporated into cultivated wheat (especially in Triticum aestivum). Nevertheless, scanty information is available about resistance to other economically important pests such as Sitodiplosis mosellana and Oulema melanopus. A coherent program to incorporate resistant varieties in the integrated pest management (IPM) of wheat pests is needed to better protect the crop and improve crop yields.