Wheat Streak Mosaic Virus (WSMV) is an important disease of wheat. It is known to exist in many parts of North America, Europe and the Middle East. In 2003 it was found in SA, VIC, NSW and QLD, followed by WA in 2006. Recent testing by the Department of Primary Industries and Water (DPIW) has confirmed its presence in Tasmania.
WSMV is primarily spread by its vector, the wheat curl mite, as it moves from infected to healthy plants within a crop while feeding. These mites are too small to be seen by the naked eye. They are dispersed by the wind or by attaching themselves temporarily to other insects, animals and humans.
Recent research has shown that the virus is seed-borne and this is the most likely explanation of how it entered Australia and then Tasmania. Transmission by seed is at very low levels and therefore is not considered a health risk to a current crop, but it is a source of virus that can build up, via the vector, and eventually find its way to volunteer cereals, weeds and grasses - thereby threatening future crops.
For more information, including help with identification contact:
Plant Virologist
Peter Cross
Plant Virologist
13 St Johns Avenue NEW TOWN TAS 7008
Phone: 03 6233 6845
Fax: 03 6278 2716
Email: Peter.Cross@dpiw.tas.gov.au
or visit the DPIW website