Infected plants often appear near the edges of fields as the virus-laden mites blow in from an adjacent field or strip. Where volunteer wheat was a problem in a field prior to planting, infection may be spread throughout much of the field. Wheat streak mosaic is controlled primarily by breaking the life cycle of the mite vector. Planting date and elimination of volunteer wheat are important. At least one to two works prior to planting winter wheat in the fall, volunteer wheat should be destroyed in any fields to be planted and in adjacent fields.
Complete control is essential.
Since the mite and virus survive only on green tissue, they will die out during this period. The same applies to spring wheat if any volunteer wheat remains in the spring. Along with volunteer control, nearby crops should also be considered. Corn is an efficient host of both the mite and virus. Winter wheat should not be planted next to corn that has not yet matured.