Barley yellow dwarf luteovirus (BYDV) invasions of Australasia's native grass flora

摘要

Barley yellow dwarf viruses (BYDVs) and their aphid vectors were introduced into Australasia on live Poaceae during the last 200 years. We know this because BYDVs are only transmitted by aphids, they are not seed transmitted, and there are no native vectors on Australasian Poaceae. Since their introduction the viruses and aphids have had a major and well-documented impact on the productivity and persistence of cereals and pastures in the region similar to that reported from other parts of the temperate world. In contrast the native grasses have not been examined for virus infection. The aim of this study was to examine native grasses for virus infection as a first step in assessing their impact on the productivity and biodiversity of the region's ever shrinking native flora.