We are encouraged by the initial response at the Packard Foundation. Native Grass Association meeting which I attended in Sacramento. This virus is common in our weedy, non-native grasses as well. It is spread by aphids that feed on one plant and move to new plants. Damage appears to be in the nutreint transport system of the grasses- nutrients don't move between the roots and leaves.
Leaves turn bright red.
When the plant is stressed, they often die because they can't use resources in the roots. There are probably some resistant strains of native grasses to be found and incorporated into the native grass trade. This will take years of work. As you may know, native grasses in California simply disappeared in a very short time over many millions of acres. In addition to Mark Johnson's regular work in keeping the place running, we had a few more repairs.