Winter wheat and grass sampling for mapping barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV) spread in Virginia

The Entomology Lab at Southern Piedmont AREC is in need of winter wheat and dominant grass samples from fields across Virginia to test for barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV).  This is specifically for research focused on BYDV movement between winter wheat and grazing lands (as reservoirs for the virus). We are especially interested in plants with yellowish or reddish leaves, potential signs of BYDV infection.

Test results will be shared with producers free of charge.

Sampling Plan:

• Locations: Winter wheat fields, especially near forage grasses or crops like soybean and tobacco. 
• Method: Collect samples from a one-square-foot area every 50 feet, covering up to 200 feet. Samples will be taken along two rows, 100 feet apart, starting 10 feet from the field edge (or grazing land). A total of 20 samples per field (Fig. 1B). 
• Sample Collection Details and Handling Guidelines: 1. Geographic coordinates; 2. Distance of the wheat field to grazing land; 3. Ship samples with ice. If overnight shipping is not possible, send the entire plant with roots covered in a small amount of soil to maintain freshness.                                                                                                   

Shipping address for samples:

Dr. Arash Rashed/ Shirin Parizad

Southern Piedmont Agricultural Research and Extension Center

2375 Darvills Rd, Blackstone, VA 23824

For questions, please contact:                                                                                                       

Shirin Parizad

Ph.D. Student Entomology

Virginia Tech, Southern Piedmont AREC

 shparizad@vt.edu

Your help would be invaluable to this research. If you are interested or have questions, please reach out.  More information on BYDV in Virginia is available at https://blogs.ext.vt.edu/ag-pest-advisory/barley-yellow-dwarf-virus-bydv-status-in-virginia-wheat/.