Infection usually occurs in the fall during periods of high soil moisture. The most severe symptoms occur when seedlings are infected shortly after emergence. The viruses multiply in plants during cool weather. Optimum temperature is about 60 F Virus multiplication stops at temperatures above 70 F. Usually infected plants will green up by the end of March as temperatures increase. However, infected plants usually have fewer tillers, are shorter and yield less than healthy plants.
Resistant varieties are the only means of control.
Fortunately, there are several adapted, high-yielding resistant varieties available to Arkansas growers. See Fact Sheet 2074, Arkansas Wheat Performance Tests and Variety Selection, for variety ratings for soilborne viruses. The Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, disability, marital or veteran status or any other legally protected status, and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The mention of any commercial product in this web site does not imply its endorsement by the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service over other products not named nor does the omission imply that they are not satisfactory.