VIEW ARTICLE

Seasonal Transmission of Wheat Spindle Streak Mosaic Virus. J. T. Slykhuis, Research Scientist, Research Station, Research Branch, Agriculture Canada, Ottawa, Ontario K1A OC6; Phytopathology 65:1133-1136. Accepted for publication 29 April 1975. DOI: 10.1094/Phyto-65-1133.

The percentages of wheat plants that developed wheat spindle streak mosaic from soil-borne infection at Ottawa were lower in plots sown in late October than in those sown 2 to 8 weeks earlier, but winter survival was also lower, hence late seeding is not recommended as a practical means to escape infection. By removing wheat plants from the field at different dates, washing their roots, then replanting in sterile soil and growing at about 10 C for symptom development, it was found that plants could become infected during late September through October, and in April and May. Infection occurred most rapidly during mid- to late-October, but symptoms did not develop in the field until May. Plants infected in April or May did not develop symptoms in the field because the temperature became too high too soon.