Robert Frogue

Publication Date

12-1998

Advisor(s) - Committee Chair

Linda Brown-Ferguson, William Brown, Ray Johnson

Comments

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Degree Program

Department of Agriculture

Degree Type

Master of Science

Abstract

Barley Yellow Dwarf Virus (BYDV) is the most widespread and economically important virus of cereal crops in the world and is a recurring problem in wheat crops grown in the United States. The virus infects plants in fields at low levels in most years and in some years explodes into an epidemic.

BYDV is a disease resulting from infection by a viral pathogen. It is carried and transmitted to wheat by several species of aphids. Once a plant is infected, BYDV destroys the phloem of the plant resulting in the plant’s inability to transport the products of photosynthesis to the growing point, roots and grain.

Field experiments were conducted from 1995 to 1998, at two locations in the state of Kentucky, to evaluate the effect of BYDV on wheat varieties commercially grown in the region. Seven to ten wheat varieties were selected and grown to determine what impact BYDV plays on the yield and quality of wheat. These varieties were placed in a trial with a split-plot design and were evaluated, both with and without the use of an insecticide (Lambda-cyhalothrin). Grain test weights and grain yields were recorded to determine the effect of BYDV.

Conclusions of the study indicated that BYDV did not affect the grain yield or quality of the wheat. Although in some years and locations, BYDV suppressed yield as much as 19.1 bushels per acre in one variety and showed a decrease in test weight of 5.0 pounds per bushel in another variety.

Disciplines

Agriculture | Agronomy and Crop Sciences | Life Sciences | Plant Sciences

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