Effects of barley yellow dwarf virus on the yield of winter wheat

Abstract

Yield responses were measured of six winter wheats to field infections with Barley Yellow Dwarf Virus (BYDV). In addition to the natural incidence of virus, the range of infection levels was widened by aphicide spraying of some plots and the addition of artificially propagated viruliferous aphids to others. Significant grain yield losses attributable to natural infections by BYDV were found for all wheats despite the main infection period being in the spring. The addition of viruliferous aphids only marginally decreased yields further. Spraying with aphicides did not exclude infection but did reduce the incidence of BYDV and increase yields. A significant negative linear correlation between grain yield and percentage infection applied to each wheat genotype. The slope of the yield response appears to be a more useful measurement for comparing tolerance to BYDV of differing cereal lines than do proportional yield losses. Of the six wheats tested, Lawson, Birch 41, Birch 75, Owlet and Isis had similar tolerances to BYDV, despite substantial differences in absolute yields, while W71 was considerably more vulnerable. The mean natural incidence of BYDV in the main trial was 67%, producing an expected grain yield loss of about 2.2 t ha-1 for W71 and about 1.1 t ha-1 for the other five wheats. Effects on grain protein and potential control measures are also discussed.