Problems and possibilities for control of BYDV in Britain

Barley yellow dwarf is the most damaging and widespread cereal virus disease in Britain, although its severity varies locally and annually. Severe isolates are usually transmitted most efficiently by Rhopalosiphum padi, mild isolates by Macrosiphum avenae and Metopolophium spp. For both winter and spring sown crops phorate applied to the seed bed or a later menazon spray can prevent losses.