Don’t Let Wheat Streak Mosaic Viruses Wreck Your Yield: Time to Act

As wheat planting season approaches, it’s more important than ever to control the spread of wheat curl mite—the insect that transmits a complex of mosaic viruses that are hitting Western Kansas wheat hard.

The Problem: 

Wheat curl mites carry multiple viruses, including:

• Wheat Streak Mosaic Virus (WSMV)

• Triticum Mosaic Virus (TriMV)

• High Plains Wheat Mosaic Virus (HPWMoV)

  
  

Together, these form the mosaic virus complex that causes yellowing, stunted growth, and significant yield loss—especially when infections occur early.

Two Critical Steps to Protect Your Wheat:

1. Volunteer Wheat Control 

   Volunteer wheat is the #1 host for both the mite and these viruses. 

   ➤ Kill all volunteer wheat 2–3 weeks before planting to break the green bridge. 

   ➤ Glyphosate is still the go-to option, but timing is key.

2. Control Grassy Weeds 

   Grasses like cheatgrass, foxtail, barnyard grass, and johnson grass also host mites. 

   ➤ Clean up weedy grasses, especially in corn residue. 

   ➤ Delay wheat planting if necessary to allow 2–3 weeks after weed termination.

   
   

Why It Matters:

The earlier the infection, the greater the yield loss. Managing hosts and planting varieties with known resistance are your best defense.

With all that is going on this time of year, please be safe. - Dwayne