Virus Problem In Wheat Probable

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31089, 18 June 1966, Page 8

Virus Problem In Wheat Probable

“It is possible that the present spell of mild weather will lead to some further aphis flights and all wheatgrowers are therefore alerted to the probability of a virus problem in wheat this year from aphis infestation,” says the aphis and virus warn-

ing service in its latest

report. “For the week ending June 10, flying aphides were recorded at Lincoln and from nine of the 13 other sites at which single traps are operated as follows: Morven and Rotherham, 4 each; Waikari, 3; Eiffleton, 2; Balcairn, Southbridge, Barrhill, Pleasant Point, Bortons and Lincoln, 1 each per trap.

“Fairly high populations have also been taken in crops, ing winged cereal aphides still developing ready for flight. “It is evident that the high populations recorded in most areas of Canterbury earlier in the season are still developing winged cereal aphides and the recent spell of mild weather has given rise to flights in almost all wheatgrowing districts. “Large acreages of wheat have been sown recently and should emerge after flights have finished. It. is almost certain that wheat emerging before June 10 will have had a reasonable chance of aphis infestation. In eight years’ records, cereal aphis flights have been recorded as late as mid-June only in 1962, a year notorious for high incidence of yellow dwarf virus.

“It is possible that the present spell of mild weather will lead to some further flights and all wheatgrowers are therefore alerted to the probability of a virus problem in wheat this year from aphis infestation. The committee offers a firm recommendation that all crops be inspected and where any aphides are found that spraying be considered as soon as flights have ceased.

“A further statement on the position,, will be made at an early dwte.”