Variation in Tolerance to Wheat Streak Mosaic Virus Among Cultivars of Hard Red Spring Wheat. M. C. Edwards, USDA-ARS Research Plant Pathologist and Adjunct Professor of Plant Pathology, Cooperative Extension Service, North Dakota State University, Fargo 58105. M. P. McMullen, Plant Pathologist, Cooperative Extension Service, North Dakota State University, Fargo 58105. Plant Dis. 72:705-707. Accepted for publication 20 March 1988. This article is in the public domain and not copyrightable. It may be freely reprinted with customary crediting of the source. The American Phytopathological Society, 1988. DOI: 10.1094/PD-72-0705.

The effects of wheat streak mosaic virus (WSMV) infection on yields and 1,000-kernel wt of 19 spring wheat cultivars were determined in field studies after uniform mechanical inoculation of each cultivar. In 1986, yield reductions due to WSMV infection ranged from 48.5 to 98.7%, while 1,000-kernel wt reductions ranged from 17.9 to 42.4%. In 1987, reductions in yield ranged from 31.9 to 95.3%, while reductions in 1,000-kernel wt ranged from 10.8 to 49.3%. Although none of the cultivars demonstrated excellent tolerance to infection under these conditions, potentially useful tolerance was found in a few cultivars.