Several species of aphids have been identified as vectors for BYD, these include the greenbug, the corn leaf aphid, the English grain aphid and the oat birdcherry aphid. BYD is usually found in patches 1 to 2 metres in diameter but can occur uniformly throughout the field if aphid populations are also uniform throughout the field. Yield losses are very dependent on when the crop was infected. Few control options are available. The best is to avoid early planting.
Early planting allows the aphids more time to infect the plants in the fall.
Recommended or optimum planting dates for winter wheat take into consideration BYD, hessian fly and promote a vigorous plant to maximize winter hardiness. Move planting date back for mild or late falls which allow the aphids to survive longer than usual. Some have asked about chemical sprays to control the aphid vectors. This is not practical or economical since scouting or detecting the aphids is very difficult. By the time populations reached detectable levels virus transmission has probably already occurred.