Strategies to reduce the impact of turnip yellows virus (TuYV) on UK oilseed rape production

The problem

TuYV (formerly known as beet western yellow virus) is a damaging disease of oilseed rape which in previous studies has been shown to cause losses of up to 45%. However the disease often only shows mild symptoms, usually in the following spring, of leaf reddening/purpling and these are often mistaken for stress symptoms.

Project aims

To raise the productivity of oilseed rape in the UK by increasing the awareness of TuYV and developing integrated control strategies.

Approach

Researchers will determine the impact of TuYV on the physiology, growth and resource capture of oilseed rape. The geographic incidence and severity of TuYV in UK oilseed rape crops will also be determined. The level of genetic resistance of selected oilseed rape varieties to TuYV will be tested and used to determine the effectiveness of existing and novel insecticides for disease control. The feasibility of developing an early warning system based on aphid thresholds for the application of autumn aphicides will also be investigated.

Benefits to the industry

Increased awareness of TuYV and control strategies could improve the performance of oilseed rape in the UK.