Assessment of insect resistance in a spring wheat genetic collection

Spring wheat is one of the most important food crops both in Russia and worldwide, occupying approximately 80 million hectares in developing countries. However, sap-sucking pests are significantly impacting spring wheat yield and quality. This highlights the importance of integrated pest management (IPM), a holistic approach combining preventive and curative measures. Host-plant resistance is a cornerstone strategy within IPM. This study assesses pest resistance levels in a spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genetic collection. The collection belongs to the Department of Genetics, Breeding and Seed Production of the Russian State Agrarian University – Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy. Assessments were conducted across different growth stages from 2022–2024 using two methodologies: sweep net sampling and visual counts. The pest species complex was identified, with frit flies (Oscinella spp.), bread bugs (Trigonotylus ruficornis), grain aphids (Sitobion avenae), and grain thrips (Haplothrips spp.) dominating the spring wheat varieties. Analysis of multi-year data revealed significant variation in pest infestation levels across plants. However, certain cultivars and lines demonstrated relative stability in this parameter, indicating reproducible resistance. These genotypes are of particular interest as sources of pest resistance. Research confirmed The varieties Iren, Zlata, Altayskaya Zhnitsa, Mandarina, and lines 57 and 220 are resistant to frit flies (Oscinella spp.). The varieties Obskaya 2 and Altayskaya Zhnitsa, along with lines 57, 217, and 79, show high resistance to bread bugs (Trigonotylus ruficornis). The varieties Favorit, Altayskaya Zhnitsa, Granova, Zolushka, and lines 65 and 152 are resistant to grain aphids (Sitobion avenae), while Favorit, Obskaya 2, Granova, and lines 221 and 223 demonstrated resistance to grain thrips (Haplothrips spp.).