Year Awarded 2023
FFAR award amount $150,000
Total award amount $300,000
Location Ft. Collins, CO
Program Rapid Outcomes from Agricultural Research
Matching Funders Colorado State University, Colorado Wheat Administrative Committee, University of Nebraska
Grantee Institution Colorado State University
Wheat stem sawflies are non-stinging wasp-like insects that cause wheat yield losses across the U.S. Sawflies previously targeted spring wheat crops; however, these pests have recently emerged in Kansas, Colorado and Nebraska, suggesting that it is evolving to feed on winter wheat crops as well. Led by Dr. Punya Nachappa, Colorado State University researchers are identifying resistance genes in wheat and developing predictive models that determine the likelihood of wheat stem sawfly infestation.