Barley Yellow Mosaic Virus (BYMV)
BYMV
Pathogen
Virus
Hosts
Barley
Symptoms
This disease has now spread widely across the UK. The first symptoms are small yellow patches which appear in the crop from February and are similar to waterlogging or acidity effects. The leaves develop a streaky yellow look, brown at the tips and often have in-rolling leaves leading to a spiky appearance. The plants are stunted and mature late.
Development
The virus is spread by a root infecting fungus. Moving soil will spread the virus through the field. There appears to be some differences in varietal susceptibility, some varieties having a high level of tolerance to BYMV.
Importance
Yield and quality reduction.
Control
Resistant varieties of barley are readily available.
No chemical control methods are available.
Care must be taken no to spread disease by carrying infected soil.
Field shot (© Blackthorn Arable)
