Composition and distribution of pests in the genetic collection of spring soft wheat of the Russian State Agrarian University-Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy

In the study, the resistance of 45 varieties of spring soft wheat from the genetic collection of the Russian State Agrarian University – Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy to major pests was analyzed. As a result of recent climate changes, pest pressure in northern regions has increased, causing significant damage to wheat crops. The research aimed to assess the degree of infestation by the Swedish fly ( Oscinella spp .) and bread bug ( Trigonotylus ruficornis ) across different growth stages. The study identified Irene, Favorit, Altai Zhnitsa, Line 220, and Line 65 as the least infested by the Swedish fly. Reduced infestation by bread bugs was observed in Bombona, Mandarina, Grunny, Trizo, and Line №151. Samples №9 (Altai Zhnitsa) and №17 (Line 57) showed tolerance to both pest species. A reduction in pest population on resistant samples ranged from 23% to 89% compared to more susceptible genotypes. The findings revealed consistent variation in resistance and identified promising candidates for breeding. Additionally, highly infested varieties were recorded and proposed for use as sensitive controls in resistance studies.