**2.4 Wheat shoot fly** *Atherigona naqvi* **Steylskal (Muscidae: Diptera)**

#### *2.4.1 Taxonomy*

The taxonomic classification was described by Steyskal in 1966. In Asia, it was first reported in wheat agro-ecosystem by [21]. However, in the subcontinent, 5 different species from genus *Atherigona* were reported by [22] too. The taxonomy of *A. naqvi* Seyskal. showed that it belongs to order Diptera and family Muscidae renowned for its damage to wheat crop.

#### *2.4.2 Distribution*

The Genus *Atherigona* predominantly comprises species of shoot fly which mostly affect maize crop only worldwide. However, this shoot fly species is responsible for serious threats to wheat agro-ecosystems across the globe. Species from genus *Atherigona* are mainly distributed in Pakistan [23], India [24], Thailand [25], and Africa both in East and West African regions [26, 27], and Egypt [28].

#### *2.4.3 Biology*

*A. naqvi* Steyskal adult shoot flies are grayish brown in color having relative smaller size ranging 4–5 mm than common house fly species. Fertile female flies lay eggs on the underside of the tender seedlings and near the base of the stem. Usually 15–25 elongated eggs, cylindrical like boat milky white along with projections with usual longitudinal ridges are laid. Eggs hatched in just 1–3 days after that tiny maggot emerged, starting to creep on to the leaf sheaths of the tillers. Larval period lasts for 7–10 days along with 3–4 larval instars. Pupation usually takes place inside the stem, making the barrel shape a darkish brown puparium. Adults who are free living usually live for approximately 4 days and ultimately complete their short life cycle in about 3–4 weeks.

#### *2.4.4 Damage*

The damage is usually done by the immature larvae of all instars. After the emergence of young seedlings, usually 3–4-week-old young seedlings are targeted by the maggots. After hatching, maggots feed the young growing tissues of the plant resulting in drying of central shoot by chewing the central phloem tube produce

white dry seedling known as dead hearts. Dead hearts due to dryness can be pulled easily. Sever infestations resulted in bushy appearance of young tillers.
