- In the fall of 2023, we recorded intense attacks of aphids, virus vectors, which contributed to the infection of plants.
- The aphids were infected with viruses, which was confirmed by scientists from IOR-PIB in Poznań in the fall.
- Early spring revealed the poor condition of this species, and over time it became the reason for the liquidation of some plantations.
- The low yield of winter barley only confirms this situation.
We have been reporting on the problem in winter barley from the beginning of the season.
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Aphids are infected. In which counties has the risk of viruses been identified? 
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Winter cereals are infected with viruses
In spring, the problem worsened, which was also described on our website:
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Winter barley is heavily infected with viruses. What effect might this have on the yield? 
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Part of the barley plantation closed down
Unfortunately, there are limited options for combating plant viruses. The only known methods are agrotechnical methods (rotation, spatial isolation, etc.), selection of varieties (there are already varieties on the market that tolerate virus infection better) and combating virus vectors, i.e. aphids (the problem is that in winter barley there was no registered no insecticide permanently.
Barley infected with viruses
As a result, we have what we had, i.e. barley that shows signs of being infected with viruses. We have been noticing the symptoms with a vengeance since the beginning of spring.
Field observations are one thing, but in the case of viral diseases the confirmation is always laboratory tests, performed, among others, by IOR-PIB in Poznań.
– Based on our own field observations and information obtained from conversations with clients of the Plant Diseases Clinic who sent plant samples for testing, this season a high intensity of symptoms of leaf discoloration and plant growth inhibition was found, suggesting the possibility of viral infections of winter cereals. The results of laboratory diagnostic tests (mainly DAS-ELISA tests, but also RT-PCR reactions) confirmed the high pressure of barley yellow dwarf virus – PAS (BYDV-PAS). Producers indicated a high percentage of plants with symptoms of infection (up to 80%), while they sent single plant samples for diagnostic tests – says Dr. Katarzyna Trzmiel from the Department of Virology and Bacteriology of the IOR-PIB in Poznań for farmer.pl.
Where there are aphids, there are viruses
According to Dr. Katarzyna Trzmiel, a total of over 200 plant samples were tested, of which the presence of BYDV was confirmed in 189 of them.
– In the total pool of plants, the most infected cases were confirmed for winter barley: 104 pieces, slightly less for winter wheat – 65 pieces and 16 pieces of rye, 2 pieces of triticale and 2 pieces of oats – the expert reports.
Warmer regions have a greater problem with viruses
The presence of BYDV has been demonstrated in many regions of the country
-The largest number of infected plants came from the Lower Silesian (79), Opole (32) and Greater Poland (45) voivodeships. Moreover, BYDV infections were also detected in the following voivodeships: Pomeranian Voivodeship (10), Warmian-Masurian Voivodeship (5), Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship (5), Lubelskie Voivodeship (1), Podkarpackie Voivodeship (4), Lesser Poland Voivodeship (2) and Silesian Voivodeship (1) – reports Dr. Trzmiel .
Yellow dwarf barley dominates
– The results of this year's research showed the predominance of single BYDV infections. Only in a few cases was the presence of mixed infections of BYDV with wheat dwarf virus (WDV) and wheat streak mosaic virus (WSMV) – he adds.
As he clearly points out, such results can only be obtained on the basis of the analyzes performed, therefore the correct diagnosis and assessment of the pressure of individual species of cereal viruses cannot be based only on the observation of symptoms.
– In the case of viral diseases, the observed symptoms are only auxiliary and indicate the possibility of plant infections. The final result always comes from the diagnostic test results. That's why I encourage you to do them, says Dr. Katarzyna Trzmiel.
