Developing an IPM Response to a New Wheat Health Threat in New York: Wheat Soilborne Mosaic Virus

Abstract

Soil infestation by a new virus, wheat soilborne mosaic virus (WSBMV), was recently confirmed in a localized area of the Finger Lakes region. The virus has the potential to reduce significantly the yield of New York winter wheat. A NYS-IPM supported project was initiated in 2000 with objectives to assess the current range of occurrence of WSBMV in New York, to assess its effect on wheat yield, and to identify adapted winter wheat varieties that are resistant to both SBWMV and wheat spindle streak mosaic virus (WSSMV), another soilborne virus that commonly infects New York wheat.