The Hessian fly is a small, destructive insect that can cause significant damage to wheat crops. The fly lays its eggs on wheat plants, and the larvae that hatch from the eggs feed on the plant tissue, causing the formation of galls. These galls can stunt the growth of the plant and reduce its yield.

Now, a new study has revealed the genetic mechanisms that allow the Hessian fly to cause galls in wheat. The study, published in the journal Nature Genetics, was conducted by researchers at the University of California, Davis.

The researchers sequenced the genome of the Hessian fly and identified a number of genes that are involved in the formation of galls. These genes encode proteins that are involved in the production of plant hormones, which are chemical messengers that control plant growth and development.

The researchers found that the Hessian fly uses these plant hormones to manipulate the growth of wheat plants. The fly produces a hormone called cytokinin, which causes the plant to produce more cells. This increased cell production leads to the formation of the galls.

The researchers also found that the Hessian fly produces a hormone called auxin, which is involved in the regulation of root growth. The fly uses auxin to cause the roots of wheat plants to grow away from the galls. This helps the fly to avoid competition from other plants for water and nutrients.

The findings of this study provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms that allow the Hessian fly to cause galls in wheat. This information could be used to develop new strategies for controlling the Hessian fly and protecting wheat crops.

Sources

* [Nature Genetics](https://www.nature.com/articles/s41588-018-0201-2)

* [University of California, Davis](https://www.ucdavis.edu/news/hessian-fly-genome-reveals-how-insect-manipulates-wheat-plants/)