Wheat viruses in Kansas: Who's who?

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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 (Figure 1). 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. To check if your variety is resistant, please see the Kansas Wheat Variety Guide: https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/mf991.pdf. For more information on this virus: https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/ep166.pdf.


Figure 1. Wheat with symptoms of wheat soilborne mosaic virus. Photo by Erick DeWolf, K-State Research and Extension.

 

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 (Figure 2).  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. To check if your variety is resistant, please see the Kansas Wheat Variety Guide: https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/mf991.pdf.


Figure 2. Wheat with symptoms of wheat spindle streak mosaic. Notice the yellow, linear lesions that are tapered at both ends. Photo by Erick DeWolf, K-State Research and Extension.

 

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 (Figure 3). 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.


Figure 3. Classic red/purple leaf tips of wheat infected with barley yellow dwarf. In some cases, symptoms will appear more yellow. Photo by Kelsey Andersen Onofre, K-State Research and Extension.


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 (Figure 4). 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. More info: https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/MF3383.pdf
 

Photo 4. Stunted plants infected with wheat streak mosaic virus exhibit classic green and yellow mosaic symptoms. Photo by: Kelsey Andersen Onofre, K-State Research and Extension.


Important considerations for submitting wheat samples to the diagnostic lab

Testing for each of these viruses is available in the K-State Plant Disease Diagnostic Clinic. High-quality samples are critical for an accurate diagnosis. So far, in 2023 the clinic has received several positive samples for Wheat Streak Mosaic Virus, Wheat Spindle Streak Mosaic Virus, and Wheat Soilborne Mosaic Virus in Crawford, Reno, McPherson, and Rice counties in Kansas. Below are some reminders about sample submissions that are especially important when submitting wheat to the clinic.

Sample Submission

  • Collect and ship samples on the same day using OVERNIGHT shipping
    • Collect healthy and symptomatic plants (labeled accordingly)
    • Collect the ENTIRE plant (see Figures 5 & 6)
      • Dig up the plant to keep the root system intact
      • Bag roots separately to avoid soil contact with leaves
      • Place bagged roots and above-ground materials in a larger plastic bag
    •  Label and use plastic bags instead of paper and do NOT add water. This maintains sample integrity.
  • Once collected:
    • Fill out the submission form with as much information as possible. Include variety/hybrid info (especially for wheat)
    • Ship plants ASAP overnight via UPS or FedEx when possible. USPS can take up to 14 days
  • Send photos to clinic@ksu.edu with the tracking number or date shipped
    • 3 types of images
      • Symptom/problem close up and in focus
      • Entire plant from ground level to the top of plant
      • Site – capture the pattern in the field; transition areas, terraces, etc.
         

           

Figure 5. A high-quality sample where the entire plant was submitted in a large plastic bag with the roots bagged separately. This sample was shipped overnight and arrived in excellent condition. Photo by Chandler Day, K-State Research and Extension.         
     

Photo 6. A low-quality sample where only leaf tissue was submitted in a paper bag. This sample was shipped using USPS priority mail but took over 7 days to arrive in the clinic. Photo by Chandler Day, K-State Research and Extension.


Reminders/Updates

  • High-quality samples lead to a high-quality diagnoses
  • New Services
    • Molecular diagnosis (increased detection capability)
      • Sudden Death Syndrome
      • Bacterial Leaf Streak of Corn
    • Triticum mosaic virus (TriMV) added to wheat virus screen (ELISA)
  • Wheat Virus Screen (6 viruses – WSMV, TriMV, HPWMoV, WSSMV, SBWMV, BYDV-PAV)
    • Submit samples before 5 pm on Wednesdays for results on Fridays
    • $50 for extension clients
    • $70 for non-extension clients

If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please reach out to clinic@ksu.edu or 785-532-6716.

 

 

Kelsey Andersen Onofre, Extension Plant Pathologist
andersenk@ksu.edu

Chandler Day, K-State Plant Disease Diagnostician
chandlerday@ksu.edu

Erick DeWolf, Plant Pathologist
dewolf1@ksu.edu


Tags:  wheat disease wheat streak mosaic wheat virus barley yellow dwarf