The feeding of the Russian wheat aphid (Diuraphis noxia) produces long white stripes on the leaves, leaf rolling, prostrate growth habit, and sterile spikes. The aphid feeds inside tightly rolled leaves of wheat, barley, rye, and other small grain crops.

Nestled comfortably in the micro-environment of rolled leaves, the insect is protected from climatic extremes, insecticides, and predators. The most attractive (inexpensive and environmentally sound) method of controlling involves finding genetic resistance in the collections of wheat, barley, and other small grains stored in the world's gene banks, and then transferring that resistance to commercial varieties. This subset identifies materials that are tolerant or resistant to RWA.