High Plains disease

High Plains disease is a destructive viral infection caused by the High Plains wheat mosaic virus (HPWMoV). The disease is exclusively transmitted by the wheat curl mite (Aceria tosichella), which acts as the primary vector for spreading the virus throughout agricultural fields.

The disease primarily targets winter wheat and corn crops. It has a broad host range, infecting various small grains and grassy weeds that serve as reservoirs, maintaining the virus in the environment throughout the growing season.

Clinical symptoms manifest as chlorotic streaks, mosaic patterns on the foliage, and severe plant stunting. In corn, symptoms often include distinct leaf reddening and reduced kernel development, which leads to substantial yield losses and poor grain quality at harvest time.

Disease development is heavily influenced by environmental factors, particularly temperature and mite population density. Hot and dry summers followed by mild autumns encourage the rapid reproduction and dispersal of the wheat curl mite, facilitating the infection of newly emerged winter wheat.

Effective management relies on integrated pest management (IPM) practices, such as the elimination of volunteer wheat and weeds before planting new crops to remove the "green bridge." Selecting resistant or tolerant varieties and strictly managing planting dates can also significantly reduce the risk of infestation.

• Affected crops: winter wheat, corn, millet.
• Causal agent: High Plains wheat mosaic virus (HPWMoV).
• Vector: Wheat curl mite (Aceria tosichella).