Manage viruses by preventing their introduction. Virus develops from either infected seed or via aphids.

Seed-borne viruses of concern are Cucumber Mosaic Virus (CMV) and Alfalfa Mosaic Virus (AMV). Viruses brought in by aphids include Beet Western Yellows Virus (BWYV).

• Minimise the virus source (seed, Summer weeds or pasture).
• Sow virus free seed, <0.1% seed infection in high risk areas, <0.5% seed infection in low risk areas.
• Manage the crop to minimise aphid landing sites. Avoid bare soil – aphids land in crops where there is a clearly defined contrast in colour between bare soil and green foliage.
  • Ensure good establishment
  • Retain standing cereal stubble
  • Produce a dense canopy
• Minimise herbicide "stress" as stressed plants that are more "attractive" to aphids.
• Control in-crop weeds early.
• Choose an aphicide that is "soft" on beneficials.
• Monitor for aphid activity and early control to minimise possible virus spread.
• Control any Summer legume and weed "green bridge" and any aphid build-up on them.

Cucumber Mosaic Virus (CMV).

Beet Western Yellows Virus (BWYV).