Identification of barley yellow dwarf virus and cereal aphid Infestations In winter wheat by aerial photography

In 1976 distinctive patterns were identified on aerial photographs of winter wheat crops in East Anglia. The patterns consisted of numerous dark foci which were found to be associated with sooty moulds (mostly Cladosporium spp.) in the crops. Both green and mature crops were photographed in 1977 and the patterns were matched with crop inspection data. These suggested that barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV) was the cause of the patterns and that sooty moulds secondarily invaded the infected plants. A different type of focal pattern appeared to be associated with damage caused by aphid feeding. All crops showing the pattern associated with BYDV were sown before 13 October but there was no relationship with sowing date for the crops damaged directly by aphids. Yield losses within foci were estimated by sampling and the total crop areas affected were calculated using an image analysis computer: yield losses were estimated to range from 10% (BYDV) to 2% (aphid feeding). The epidemiology of BYDV is discussed and reasons are suggested for the development and appearance of the foci.