The threat posed by aphids within a cereal rotation is an important element for consideration by tillage farmers.
Last year, Barley Yellow Dwarf Virus (BYDV) proved a real challenge in early-sown cereal crops and those planted later in the season throughout the south of the country.
Obviously, it is important to understand when crops are most at risk from aphid attack.
This was an issue discussed on a recent Tillage Edge podcast by host Michael Hennessy and Teagasc entomologist, Dr. Louise McNamara.
Threat from disease
First-off, Dr. McNamara provided a general overview of the challenge posed by BYDV.
She said: “The risk depends on a number of issues. These include: How early the crop was planted; how early the crop was infected; and which strain of the virus the crop is infected with.
“There are 11 strains of the virus with different levels of severity. So damage in cereals can cause up to 80% loss. This would be in the case of very severe infections. The average loss figure is in the region of 30%.”
According to McNamara, BYDV can yield decreases of up to 2t/ha in winter wheat and oats.
“This figure rises to 5t/ha in winter barley crops. The risk will be different in different years and different locations. On a local scale, there will also be variations between fields,” she added.
The entomologist explained that temperature differences between one year and the next will impact significantly on the threat posed by BYDV.
“Local climatic differences will also be a factor. Crops grown near the coast will be at a higher risk because it’s milder; there’s less frost,” she explained.
“In these circumstances, aphids are more likely to survive, leading to higher BYDV infection rates.”
Migrating aphids
Significantly, McNamara confirmed that migratory aphid numbers are lower this year, relative to 2021.
“Several different reasons are kicking in here. We know that aphid flight is affected by temperature, wind and rain,” she continued.
“We know that rain negatively impacts on aphid flight; when there is heavy rainfall, you get less aphid flight.”
According to McNamara, aphids can have long-range and short-range migration patterns.
“We can pick up the long-range aphids in the Teagasc 12.2m towers. But local migration can be affected by a mix of flight and walking between one location and the next,” she said.
“Aphids could also be in a field already, depending on what the previous crop was. The insects could be on volunteer plants and weeds. Aphids can also be found in nearby grass areas.
“So, they can come into a new crop courtesy of flight, walking and the fact they may be there already.”