Attention Idaho Farmers!

Cereal crops in northern Idaho face a novel threat this season: the soilborne menace known as Soilborne Wheat Mosaic Virus (SBWMV). With confirmed cases in neighboring states, this disease demands immediate attention to safeguard crop health and yield potential. 

SBWMV, transmitted through soil by the parasite Polymyxa graminis, infects fall-planted cereals such as wheat and barley. Recognizing its symptoms, characterized by green and yellow mosaic patches on winter wheat, is crucial for early detection. Farmers are advised to learn the telltale signs and test suspicious winter cereals next spring to curtail its impact. 

The virus thrives during temperatures of 35 to 50 degrees, hampering plant development and reducing yield potential. Controlling the spread of SBWMV necessitates strict sanitation practices, including thorough cleaning of farm equipment to prevent soil contamination. 

To combat this threat, experts recommend planting resistant varieties in infected fields. The University of Idaho's UI-WSU Huffman, a soft white winter wheat, stands as a promising option for growers in northern Idaho. 

With the vector and virus capable of surviving in soil for years, a comprehensive approach is essential. While fumigation provides partial control, adopting resistant varieties and maintaining good sanitation practices remain the most effective long-term strategies. 

To support farmers, the University of Idaho is collaborating with experts to enhance statewide testing capabilities. By identifying SBWMV early and employing resistant varieties, farmers can mitigate the disease's impact and protect their cereal crops. 

As we face this new challenge, united efforts and swift action are paramount. Let us equip ourselves with knowledge, make informed choices, and fortify Idaho's cereal crops against the encroaching threat of SBWMV. Together, we can preserve the prosperity of our agricultural community.