Wheat streak mosaic virus found on white wheat variety - June 2006

Diane Brown and Willie Kirk, Michigan State University Extension, Department of Plant Pathology - June 08, 2006

Editor’s note: This article is from the archives of the MSU Crop Advisory Team Alerts. Check the label of any pesticide referenced to ensure your use is included.

Wheat streak mosaic virus was confirmed on the white wheat variety Caledonia at a research plot in Williamston, Michigan last week. A sample was sent to an outside lab that specializes in virus testing.

Symptoms show up as longitudinal yellow stripes on the foliage (see photo) and plants may be stunted. Other hosts include spring wheat, barley, corn, rye, oats and several annual and perennial grasses. This virus is vectored by the wheat curl mite, Aceria tulipae. Plants are frequently infected in fall, but symptoms don’t show up until spring.

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