Wheat Curl Mite

A tiny mite that spreads wheat streak mosaic virus

Management of host plants over summer and autumn is the main tool in controlling wheat curl mite, the carrier of wheat streak mosaic virus, a disease which may cause up to 100 per cent yield loss with early and widespread infection of young wheat plants.

Wheat curl mite (WCM), Aceria tosichella, is the primary source for the spread of wheat streak mosaic virus (WSM V). WSM V can cause severe yield loss in wheat and affects yield in barley, oats and rye and also infest a range of grass weeds.

WCM colonises the youngest tissue of a wheat plant and acquires WSM V when feeding on infected plants, carrying it to other plants.

Mild summers with adequate rain for volunteer cereal and grass growth favour mite survival and virus build up between wheat crops.

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