Severity of the disease varies from year to year because of a complex interaction between aphids, weather, the virus, and plants. There are no management tactics to attack the virus directly. Planting date is the most important factor that determines the intensity of aphid infestations, and consequently, BYDV levels in fields. This approach is not fool-proof but it is more effective than a preventive spray program in minimizing yield loss to the disease. Aphid - BYDV Interactions Healthy plants can become infected only after being fed upon by aphids that are carrying BYD virus.
Aphids pick up the virus as they feed on the sap of infected plants.
After a few hours, they can inject it into other plants. Once infective, aphids carry the virus for the rest of their lives. There is no other means of spread. Aphid Biology Description Aphids are small insects with soft, pear-shaped bodies and piercing sucking mouthparts. Adult aphids may or may not have wings.