Plant viruses are one of the leading causes of yield losses in wheat and other crops. Wheat is the leading crop in Oklahoma and garners more than $600 million in revenue to the state. To help farmers recognize the symptoms of plant viruses, University of Tulsa Plant Virologist/Plant Pathologist Dr. Akhtar Ali led a project to catalog viruses found on Oklahoma wheat. The research team surveyed 33 counties for 15 possible wheat viruses and discovered five major viruses throughout the state. Their survey uncovered two viruses new to the state, the Johnson grass mosaic virus (JGMV) and Maize chlorotic motile virus (MCMV). Their discovery under the Crop Protection and Pest Management Program helps growers quickly identify viruses and treat them before they cause economic damage.
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