ABSTRACT
The biology and pest status of turnip root fly (TRF) in Scotland are reviewed, including the different damage thresholds and levels of control required for fodder and consumer swedes. The value of resistant cultivars and the background to the plant breeding project on TRF resistance and its mechanisms at SCRI are discussed, with reference to two new SCRI swede cultivars, Angus and Melfort, which have high levels of resistance. Preliminary results on oviposition, larval invasion and puparia numbers are outlined and the possible physical or chemical plant factors involved in resistance and the inferences for developing a rapid resistance screen for plant breeders are discussed. The role of host plant resistance in integrated control of TRF is briefly discussed.
