Identifying Mutations That Potentially Regulate the Emission of An Attractant Volatile for Wheat Stem Sawfly in a Target Gene of Wheat, Triticum Aestivum.

Wheat stem sawfly (WSS), Cephus cinctus, is a major concern among wheat producers in the United States responsible for an estimated value of $200 million in wheat crop losses each year (Wahl et al. 2007). Current conventional methods in controlling wheat stem sawfly are ineffective in reducing infestations across the northern Great Plains. Insecticide application provides minimal control due to the larval stages of the insect being located within the plant and producers are continually challenged with unreliable production with solid stemmed wheat varieties. These difficulties have prompted wheat breeders to consider alternative control methods. Studies evaluating host selection have determined that the emission of an attractant volatile is the primary factor influencing oviposition preference of WSS in winter and spring wheat production areas (Buteler et al. 2012).  Thus, the aim of this research project is to identify induced mutations in a candidate gene determined to regulate the production of this attractant volatile. Potential mutations are being identified using TILLING (Targeting Induced Local Lesions in Genomes) methods from a pool of mutagenized individuals.