Susceptibility of Perennial Small Grains to Soilborne wheat mosaic virus and Wheat spindle streak mosaic virus

Abstract

Perennial small grains offer the potential for sustainable production of forage and grain on marginal and erodable lands. The authors' results suggest that perennial small grains are at risk for infection by Soilborne wheat mosaic virus (SBWMV) and Wheat spindle streak mosaic virus (WSSMV) and that resistant cultivars may be needed for management of these diseases. Ideally, breeders should screen perennial small grain lines for resistance to soilborne viruses in the early stages of selection. Accepted for publication 27 October 2005. Published 30 November 2005.