In the southwestern region of the US Great Plains, often referred to as the High Plains, hard red winter wheat is the most widely grown crop, and mite transmitted virus diseases cause significant losses to farmers throughout the region each year. The majority of wheat in this region is dual purpose, grown as a winter forage for cattle and also for grain. This presentation will help consultants, growers and other practitioners in the High Plains to understand how dual-purpose wheat production is unique, and how associated cultural practices impact disease incidence and management options. Specifically, practitioners will learn about causes and impacts of mite-transmitted virus diseases, factors that impact vector and disease incidence, and specific actions they can take to minimize losses.
