Wheat Streak Mosaic Virus Management in Idaho Cereals

Wheat streak mosaic virus (WSMV) is a serious disease that damages wheat production in Idaho. Transmitted by the wheat curl mite, WSMV infects winter and spring wheat and can also infect barley, oat, rye, corn, sorghum and several grassy weed species. Although it occurs mostly in southern Idaho, corn is a notable host, thus increasing the potential for its spread to other parts of the state. Along with providing basic identifying information about WSMV, this publication discusses the wheat curl mite (a WSMV agent), the disease cycle and various ways to manage its spread.