Wheat

Overview

Wheat streak mosaic (WSM) is a viral disease that can significantly diminish wheat yield and quality.

WSM primarily impacts the wheat plant's leaves, causing the characteristic streaks. However, the virus can also infect the stems, roots, and grains. Infected plants often exhibit stunted growth and reduced tillering, leading to substantial yield losses.

The virus also hampers the plant's photosynthetic ability, further affecting growth and grain production. Infected grains are typically small and shriveled, reducing both yield and quality.

(Image Credit: William M. Brown Jr., Bugwood.org)

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How to Identify Wheat Streak Mosaic

The first line of defense against WSM is its accurate identification. Misdiagnosis, often confusing WSM symptoms with nutrient deficiencies or other diseases, can lead to ineffective management strategies.

WSM-infected wheat plants manifest a range of symptoms. The most prevalent is the emergence of light green to yellow streaks on the leaves, typically running parallel to the leaf veins. These streaks may merge over time, creating a mosaic pattern on the leaf. In severe cases, these streaks can appear on leaf sheaths, and the entire plant may yellow.

Beyond the characteristic streaks, WSM-infected plants may exhibit stunted growth, reduced tillering, and premature death. The disease may also lead to the production of small, shriveled grains or even prevent grain production entirely.

While the distinctive leaf streaks are the primary identifiers of WSM, laboratory tests such as ELISA or PCR may be necessary for confirmation. It's crucial to remember that symptoms may vary based on the wheat variety and the growth stage at the time of infection.

(Image Credit: William M. Brown Jr., Bugwood.org)

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Geographic Reach of Wheat Streak Mosaic

WSM is prevalent across global wheat-growing regions. It is particularly rampant in the United States' Great Plains, where it can cause substantial yield losses.

However, WSM has also been reported in Canada, Australia, Europe, and certain parts of Asia and Africa.

(Image Credit: William M. Brown Jr., Bugwood.org)

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Timing of Wheat Streak Mosaic Emergence

WSM can infect wheat plants at any growth stage, but plants are most vulnerable during the early growth stages. Infections occurring later in the season may not present symptoms until after heading, making them more challenging to identify.

How to Manage Wheat Streak Mosaic in Wheat

The most reliable management option for wheat streak mosaic virus is controlling green-bridge host crops with a burndown herbicide application at least 2–3 weeks prior to planting winter wheat.

For burndown, apply any of the following at least 14 days before planting:

Always refer to the product label for the most accurate and up-to-date application rates for your specific situation.

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Disclaimer

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This content was generated with the assistance of Norm℠, FBN’s artificial intelligence (AI) Ag Advisor, based on a dataset of information containing general industry best practices and research. The AI model did not use specific external sources to generate this content. Our process involves using AI to aid human subject matter experts with the initial drafting and/or refinement of content.

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*Sharpen is a restricted use pesticide.

*Willowood Paraquat 3SL is a restricted use pesticide.

*RESTRICTED USE PESTICIDE Due to acute toxicity. For retail sale to and use by certified applicators only – NOT to be used by uncertified persons working under the supervision of a certified applicator.

Every product that labels WHEAT as a weed, pest, or disease the product can be applied against is shown below. Click any product for label and more information.
Abundit® EdgeAbundit® EdgeAbundit™ Extra (Exclusively Distributed by DuPont)Accord® Concentrate HerbicideAccord® XRT HerbicideAccord® XRT II HerbicideAlecto™ 41SAqua Star®Aquamaster®AquaNeat® Aquatic HerbicideAxill Solutions Glufosinate 280SLBicep II MAGNUM® FCBuccaneer® (55467-10)Buccaneer® 5Buccaneer® 5 ExtraBuccaneer® Plus (55467-9)Charger MAX® ATZCinch® ATZCinco™Cornerstone K HerbicideCornerstone®Cornerstone® 5 PlusCornerstone® Plus (1381-192)Cornerstone® Plus (524-454-1381)Credit® 41Credit® 41 ExtraCredit® 5.4 ExtraCredit® XtremeDryphosate 75SGDuramax® HerbicideDurango® DMA® HerbicideDurango® DMA® HerbicideEnlist Duo™ Herbicide with Colex D TechnologyEnvy™Envy™ IntenseEnvy™ Six MaxExpert® HerbicideExtra Credit 5®Fallow Master® BroadspectrumFinale®FireBallForesters'® Non-Selective HerbicideFour Power Plus®Gly Star® 5 ExtraGly Star® GoldGly Star® K-PlusGly Star® OriginalGly Star® PlusGly Star® Pro Grass and Weed KillerGlyfine™ PlusGlyfos® Aquatic HerbicideGlyfos® X-TRA HerbicideGlyphogan® HerbicideGlyphogan® Plus HerbicideGlyphosate 4 PlusGlyphosate 5.4Helosate® 75 SGHelosate® Plus AdvancedHoncho® HerbicideHoncho® K6 HerbicideHoncho® K6 Herbicide (Monsanto)Honcho® PlusHoss® UltraImitator® AquaticImitator® PlusIntermoc™KleenUp® Pro HerbicideLadem ATLandmaster® BWLifeline®Mad Dog®Mad Dog® 5.4Mad Dog® PlusMakaze Yield Pro®Makaze® HerbicideMatrix® FNVMedal® II ATMetalliS™ MTZMirage® (524-445-34704)OpportunityOust® ExtraOust® ExtraParallel® PlusPayback ATZPhenomenon™ DuoPresidual™ HerbicideProDeuce®Ranger PRO® HerbicideRanger PRO® Herbicide (Monsanto)Rascal® PlusRazor Burn®Razor®Razor® ProRazor® Xtreme HerbicideReckon™ 280SLRodeo® HerbicideRoundup Custom®Roundup Custom® (Monsanto)Roundup PowerMAX®Roundup PowerMAX® 3 (Monsanto)Roundup PowerMAX® 3 HerbicideRoundup PowerMAX® HerbicideRoundup PowerMAX® IIRoundup PowerMAX® II (Monsanto)Roundup PRO® ConcentrateRoundup PRO® Concentrate (Monsanto)Roundup PRO® HerbicideRoundup PRO® Herbicide (Monsanto)Roundup PROMAX® HerbicideRoundup PROMAX® Herbicide (Monsanto)Roundup QuikPRO®Roundup QuikPRO™ (Monsanto)Roundup Ultra®Roundup WeatherMAX® (Monsanto)Roundup WeatherMAX® HerbicideRT 3® HerbicideRT 3® Herbicide (Monsanto)Sequence®Shar-Max Glyphosate 41% SLShowdown® HerbicideSpyder® Extra Selective HerbicideStalwart® Xtra HerbicideStalwart® Xtra LiteSunphosate 41%Sunphosate 5 MAX (Wynca)Surmise®Total TNVTotal® 2.3Touchdown HiTech®Touchdown Total®Touchdown® CTTouchdown® HerbicideTraxion®Triangle® HerbicideTrizmet™ IITrizmet™ LiteWestar®Willowood Glypho 6