Barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV), a disease of cereals, can cause stunting and subsequent yield and quality losses by removing water and nutrients, effectively starving plants.

The GRDC has supported research to develop effective BYDV management strategies and forecast risk of cereal aphid outbreaks and BYDV epidemics.

The 2005 forecast shows the risk of early aphid arrival and BYDV is high in south-western and south coastal areas and generally low for the northern agricultural region.

Using synthetic pyrethroid insecticide sprays applied during susceptible early growth stages, imidacloprid insecticide seed dressings or growing resistant or tolerant cultivars or even delaying sowing in high risk areas could all help stop BYDV spread.

In addition to forecasting and virus management solutions, the GRDC has also supported work to establish thresholds for aphid breeding damage.

Maps of BYDV risk and information on control are available through the BYDV website, www.agric.wa.gov.au/bydv