Plant Pathology Infobytes

May 5, 1998
Barley Yellow Dwarf - Wheat Disease Update

Several calls have been received concerning a disease problem on wheat across the state. Symptoms are primarily confined to the flag leaf. Leaf tips and margins are turning brown, and the remainder of the leaf is exhibiting purple coloration.

Based on these symptoms, the problem is likely to be barley yellow dwarf, a virus incited disease. The virus is acquired from wild hosts by aphids, and virus particles are transmitted to wheat during the feeding process. Initial introduction of the causal virus occurred several weeks ago, and symptoms are now appearing in various locations across the state.

What effect will barley yellow dwarf have on wheat yields? At this point in the season, the disease will not have much impact on wheat which was planted on schedule. However, young wheat could suffer yield reduction -- to what extent is unknown at this time.

Other diseases of wheat -- leaf rust and Septoria leaf and glume blotch -- have not caused problems for producers, and fungicide applications have not been necessary. Bacterial stripe has been observed in a few fields but has been limited in occurrence.

Because of relatively light pressure, it appears yield reduction from wheat diseases will be minimal in 1998. Agents who need assistance with disease identification should contact Extension Plant Pathology for assistance.

The assistance of wheat disease research pathologist Dr. Larry Trevathan in preparation of this update is gratefully acknowledged.


Written by the late Dr. Frank Killebrew

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