Soilborne Wheat Mosaic Virus
Soilborne Wheat Mosaic Virus
Symptoms
Leaves of plants infected with Soilborne mosaic virus exhibit a mild green to prominent yellow mosaic. Small green
Symptoms of Wheat Streak Mosaic Virus
Univeristy of Kentucky Dept. Plant Pathology
islands and short streaks may be evident on an otherwise yellowed leaf. Plants with soilborne wheat mosaic are often stunted and tillering can be reduced. Warm weather will slow and can eventually stop disease development. In that event, symptoms may be visible only on the lower leaves of the wheat plants.
This virus can easily be confused with Wheat spindle streak mosaic virus. Wheat spindle streak virus will show yellow dashes on an otherwise green leaf, however. Plants with spindle streak usually are not stunted.
Cause
The virus is transmitted by the soil fungus Polymyxa graminis, that is common throughout Kentucky. Infection can occur any time fall through spring. However, autumn infections cause the most serious problems. High soil moisture favors infection.
IPM Techniques
Plant resistant wheat varieties, improve field drainage, and avoid practices that may cause soil compaction. Planting after the Hessian fly-free date can also help limit fall infections. Avoid continuous wheat cultivation.
References and Additional Information
- IPM-4 Kentucky IPM Manual for Small Grains
- PPA-10c Kentucky Plant Disease Management Guide for Small Grains by D.E. Hershman and P. Vincelli
- Annual Kentucky Small Grain Variety Trials, Progress Report 355
- Common Diseases of Small Grain Cereals. F. J. International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center, Londres 40, Apdo. Postal 6-641, Mexico, D.F., Mexico
- Compendium of Wheat Diseases, M.V. Wiese, The American Phytopathological Society Press, 1987.
