Viruses in cereals and oilseed rape

Some aphid species transmit yield-robbing viruses to cereals (BYDV) and oilseed rape (TuYV). Find out about the key species, virus symptoms and infection-risk management.

When are crops most at risk from virus diseases?

In both cereals and oilseeds, the key period for virus transmission by aphids is in the autumn. Symptoms typically appear in spring and, in extreme situations, plants can die.

Many factors influence the extent of yield losses. Earlier-sown winter crops and late-sown spring crops tend to be at a higher risk, due to the timing of aphid migrations. Risk is heightened in all crops by mild conditions in autumn and winter, which encourage aphid flight, reproduction and movement within the crop. Described within our Encyclopaedia of cereal diseases, some soilborne vectors also transmit viruses.

AHDB Encyclopaedia of cereal diseases

Barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV) management in cereals

Various species of cereal aphid transmit BYDV. Find out about the principal vectors (bird cherry–oat aphid and grain aphid), including how to manage populations based on monitoring and, if necessary, control.

Barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV) management in cereals

Bird cherry-oat aphid (BYDV vector in cereals)

Grain aphid (BYDV vector in cereals)

BYDV management tool

Turnip yellows virus (TuYV) management in winter oilseed rape

The main vector of TuYV in oilseed rape is the peach–potato aphid. It transmits the virus as it feeds on the crop during the autumn. As this aphid is resistant to a number of active ingredients, management relies heavily on integrated methods that reduce risk and target control.

Turnip yellow virus (TuYV) management in oilseed rape

Further information

Visit field pest home

Cereal disease management homepage

Oilseed rape disease management homepage

Aphid monitoring services

BYDV management tool (use to target chemical control)

Insecticide Resistance Action Group

CPM articles

Next generation innovation for BYDV

Aphid wars (BYDV management)

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