At this time of the year, we are starting to see wheat viruses show up across the state. Although some of these viruses can sometimes be difficult to distinguish by eye, they do behave differently in the field. Here is a review of some key facts about wheat viruses and some timely reminders for sample submission to the Plant Disease Diagnostic Lab.
Wheat Soilborne Mosaic Virus
Wheat soilborne mosaic virus is most common in the eastern two-thirds of Kansas and typically first appears as large, irregular patches of stunted, yellowing wheat in a field. From the road, these can be confused with a number of other production problems such as winter injury, or nutrient deficiencies. Upon closer inspection, leaves appear to have a yellow background with irregular green blotches. Optimal temperatures for symptoms of this virus are cool (around 60 F). The symptoms fade when daytime temps rise into the mid-70s. Because of this cool temperature preference, we typically see symptoms at the tillering through jointing growth stages and not later in the season.
This virus is vectored into wheat by a fungal-like organism called Polymyxa graminis that can survive in the soil for up to 30 years. When soil moisture is high, this organism produces spores that can swim and attach themselves to wheat roots. After they attach, they shepherd in the virus, and infection occurs. Infection may be the worst in areas of the field with higher moisture (such as low spots) and in continuous wheat fields. Equipment has the potential to move soil-infested spores to new locations.
Luckily, many of the varieties available in the eastern part of Kansas have resistance to this virus. Susceptible varieties are at risk of yield loss caused by the disease. Much of this yield loss is attributed to lower kernel weight and fewer kernels per spike.
Wheat Spindle Streak Mosaic Virus
Wheat soilborne mosaic virus can be confused with a second virus known as wheat spindle streak mosaic virus. It is not uncommon to see plants infected with both soil-borne mosaic and spindle streak mosaic. This virus is also most common in eastern Kansas. This virus is also transmitted by Polymyxa graminis and the conditions for infection (cool, wet soil) are similar. This virus will also show up first as yellowing patches in the field. These two viruses have subtle symptom differences, with spindle streak symptoms appearing as thin yellow streaks or dashes on green leaves. Spindle streak can result in reduced tillering which may drive yield reductions. As with soilborne mosaic virus, variety resistance is really the only management tool that we have but can be highly effective.
Barley Yellow Dwarf
Unlike the two viruses mentioned above, barley yellow dwarf virus is transmitted by several species of aphids while they feed, including bird-cherry-oat aphids, English grain aphids, and greenbugs. Infection can occur in the fall or the spring, with fall infections resulting in the highest potential for yield losses. Avoidance of early planting, variety resistance, and systemic insecticide seed treatments are the best way to manage this virus. Symptoms usually appear as purple to yellow leaf tip discoloration and plants will appear stunted. The symptoms of barley yellow dwarf are most visible between jointing and early stages of grain development when warm temperatures favor disease development. Heads of infected plants may be darkened before harvest and grain can be shriveled, resulting in yield losses.
Wheat Streak Mosaic Virus Complex
The viruses that cause wheat streak mosaic need no introduction in many parts of western Kansas. Wheat streak mosaic is one of the most economically devastating wheat diseases in Kansas. While this disease is most common in western Kansas, we have seen an uptick in affected fields in the central corridor over the last couple of years. This disease can be caused by several viruses, including wheat streak mosaic virus, triticum mosaic virus, and wheat mosaic virus (high plains). These viruses are vectored by the tiny wheat curl mite, which survives between seasons on volunteer wheat and other grassy hosts. Infections can occur in the fall or spring but can result in more severe yield loss when they occur in the fall after planting. Unlike soilborne mosaic virus or spindle streak mosaic virus which slow down at temps about 70 F, wheat streak mosaic symptoms develop most rapidly at temperatures above this threshold. We often see symptoms appear when temperatures warm in the spring. We expect to see an increase in samples in the diagnostic lab over the coming weeks as the crop moves into the jointing stages of growth. Symptoms appear as green and yellow streaks on wheat leaves. The best management strategy is to destroy nearby volunteer wheat within two weeks of planting. There are also varieties that carry some resistance to these viruses.
Source: ksu.edu
Photo Credit: Brian Olson, Oklahoma State University
Categories: Kansas, Crops, Wheat