Barley yellow dwarf virus: a global problem

The factors affecting the epidemiology of barley yellow dwarf virus, the most widespread disease of small grain cereals, which is transmitted by aphids, are reviewed and discussed with emphasis on the progress made and areas in which effort is still required. The topics discussed include the biology and migration of vectors (Sitobion avenae (F.), Rhopalosiphum maidis (Fitch), S. miscanthi (Tak.) (Macrosiphum miscanthi), Schizaphis graminum (Rond.), Metopolophium festucae (Theo.), R. padi (L.), R. insertum (Wlk.), M. dirhodum (Wlk.) and Sitobion fragariae (Wlk.)), and chemical control of the vectors using insecticides applied in either granular or spray formulations.