By Scout Nelson
Wheat streak mosaic remains a serious threat to Kansas wheat production after causing widespread losses in recent years. The disease complex is spread by wheat curl mites, which commonly survive on volunteer wheat and can carry infections into newly planted fields.
Reducing volunteer wheat is one of the most effective ways to lower disease risk. Experts recommend maintaining a 30-day wheat-free period before planting and avoiding other winter cereals that can serve as hosts for wheat curl mites.
Variety selection is another important management tool. While some wheat varieties offer improved tolerance or resistance, no variety can completely prevent wheat streak mosaic under all conditions.
Yield losses are influenced by factors such as infection timing, virus combinations, and varietal susceptibility. Infections that occur in the fall or early growth stages generally result in the greatest impact on crop performance.
Some varieties contain the wsm2 gene, which provides protection against wheat streak mosaic virus. However, this resistance does not protect against all viruses in the disease complex and may be less effective during warm weather.
Other varieties carry the cmc4 gene, which helps slow wheat curl mite population growth. In central Kansas, varieties such as Rockstar, AP Prolific, SY Wolverine, LCS Photon AX, LCS Helix AX, LCS Julep, and KS Mako may offer better tolerance and help reduce yield losses under disease pressure.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-ianchrisgraham
Categories: Kansas, Crops, Wheat