The influence of seed rate on the efficacy of imidacloprid seed treatment against BYDV in winter cereals

摘要

Unless adequately controlled, Barley Yellow Dwarf Virus (BYDV) can have a devastating effect on cereal crops. Imidacloprid seed treatment affords control of the aphid vectors of BYDV, providing protection to the plant from crop emergence. However, with an increasing number of growers looking to drill winter cereal crops earlier and at reduced seed rates, the potential risk of BYDV infection is increased. In addition, the performance of imidacloprid seed treatment can be affected. The need for a programmed approach to BYDV control where early drilling and low seed rates are involved, is discussed.