Wheat streak mosaic virus becomes complex issue for producers

Kristen Sindelar
Jun 5, 2025
Jun 5, 2025

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Wheat producers are facing a complex issue this growing season. An exacerbation of three mosaic viruses coupled with continued drought stress stunted wheat fields and turned them yellow in an unprecedented largescale outbreak this spring.

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Wheat streak mosaic virus 1.jpeg — A field of wheat in northeastern Finney County, Kan., shows symptoms of wheat streak mosaic virus. The field across the road contains uncontrolled volunteer wheat.
Submitted photo

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Wheat streak mosaic virus 2.PNG — Wheat curl mites thrive on wheat but can survive on certain grasses and crops.
Graph from MF3383; Erick De Wolf, Wheat Streak Mosaic, Kansas State University, May 2017

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Reporter Kristen Sindelar has loved agriculture her entire life, coming from a diversified farm with three generations working side-by-side in northeastern Nebraska. Reach her at Kristen.Sindelar@midwestmessenger.com.