Barley yellow dwarf virus in ryegrass and its detection by ELISA

The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) effectively detected PAV- and MAV-like strains of barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV) in ryegrass. MAV-like BYDV was found in a large proportion of ryegrass plants with foliar symptoms. There was a poor association between foliar symptoms and PAV-like virus, which occurred with similar frequency in plants with and without symptoms. By August 1982, plots of perennial, Italian and hybrid ryegrass sown at Auchincruive in 1980 were extensively infected with PAV- and MAV-like strains of BYDV. Tests on samples from 1981- and 1982-sown plots in August 1983 also indicated early invasion by BYDV. Infection levels of 7–80% were found in 13 commercial crops of perennial ryegrass surveyed near Auchincruive in May 1983. PAV-like BYDV occurred with greater frequency than did MAV-like strains of the virus.     

Effect of crown rust on regrowth, competitive ability and nutritional quality of perennial and Italian ryegrasses

Infection of susceptible cultivars of perennial (Lolium perenne) and Italian (Lolium multiflorum) ryegrasses with crown rust (Puccinia coronata) reduced yield measured 6 weeks after infection and at two regrowth cuts. In perennial, but not Italian, ryegrass, rust infection of mixed swards of a resistant and a susceptible cultivar reduced the contribution to yield made by the susceptible cultivar and increased that of the resistant cultivar. This effect persisted for three regrowth cuts. The trend in effect on the number of tillers, but not plant height, was similar.
Infection increased leaf protein in susceptible perennial ryegrass but had little effect in Italian ryegrass. In both species, rust reduced water-soluble carbohydrate and the predicted digestibility of susceptible and resistant cultivars, but had no effect on quality of regrowth.     

Occurrence of barley yellow dwarf virus in pastures of western France

As pasture grasses are preponderant in the agriculture of western France, their role as reservoirs of barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV) and its aphid vectors has been studied from 1984 to 1986. Aphids were observed on most crops of five pasture grass species (brome grass, cocksfoot, tall fescue, Italian and perennial ryegrass) but in very low numbers. Rhopalosiphum padi was the most numerous species. The incidence of BYDV was high, with levels of infection ranging from 6 to 80% depending on the species of pasture grasses. Fescue pastures were highly infected with BYDV, whereas the virus was not detected in cocksfoot pastures. PAV-, RPV-, MAV-like isolates of BYDV were detected in pasture grasses, but RPV- and MAV-like isolates were only detected from ryegrass and brome grass, respectively. The role of these grasses as source of viruliferous aphids infecting cereals is discussed.     

The incidence of strains of barley yellow dwarf virus in perennial ryegrass crops in south-west and central Scotland

The incidence of barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV) in perennial ryegrass ( Lolium perenne ) crops in four areas of south-west and central Scotland was investigated between March 1988 and February 1989. BYDV was detected in 93·8% of the grass swards using an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). This enabled the seasonal periodicity of the BYDV strains to be monitored over 12 months for the first time in Scotland. The incidence of the RPV, PAV and MAV strains of BYDV declined between March and July 1988, before gradually rising in August. Incidence increased markedly in September, especially of the RPV and MAV strains, and then gradually decreased over the winter months, before stabilizing in February 1989. The incidence of the different strains in perennial ryegrass leys varied between geographical areas and between fields within areas. Most ryegrass samples contained a mixture of the three strains of BYDV. RPV was the most common strain in Ayrshire, while the incidence of PAV was highest in Wigtownshire and that of MAV was highest in Dumfriesshire and Stirlingshire. The incidence of BYDV increased with the age of the sward. The role of perennial ryegrass as a source of virus for the infection of cereals is discussed.     

Effects of barley yellow dwarf virus on some varieties of Italian, hybrid and perennial ryegrasses and their implication for grass breeders

With the exception of chlorotic streaks in a few plants, a severe strain of barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV) transmitted by Rhopalosiplum padi caused no obvious foliar symptoms in 54 varieties of ryegrass when they were defoliated monthly. When defoliation ceased and yellow or red discoloration of the leaf tips was allowed to develop, it was a poor indicator of the seventy of disease effect on yield. Thus, some varieties which developed marked discoloration were less severely damaged than some with little or none While BYDV induced yield significant in some varieties of ryegrass, it increased it significantly in others. In some varieties these BYDV-induced yield increases occurred throughout the year, but in others they occurred in 1 month and were offset by a yield decrease in another. BYDV infection caused a greater yield reduction in roots than in shoots. Even varieties giving increased shoot yield gave decreased root yield. The possible disadvantages of the resulting increase in shoot to root ratio are discussed. It is concluded that breeding ryegrass for BYDV-induced yield increases may be easier and more rewarding than breeding for resistance or tolerance.     

The incidence of barley yellow dwarf virus isolates in perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) in south-western Victoria

Barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV) was detected in perennial ryegrass cultivars examined from three sites in south-western Victoria (Balmoral, Mininera and Hamilton); the frequency of BYDV infection varied with cultivar. PAV-related isolates were prevalent at all sites, but the incidence of MAV- and RPV-related isolates varied with the site and cultivar. The PAV-related isolate was less frequent in cv. Ellett than in cv. Victorian at all sites. The implications for the epidemiology of the disease and its agronomic importance in Victoria are discussed.     

A South African isolate of ryegrasss mosaic virus

An isolate of ryegrass mosaic virus (RMV-SA) was found in Italian ryegrass plants in two areas in South Africa. Preliminary characterization indicated that the virus exhibited the same symptoms and host range as RMV strains previously found in Canada and the UK. The virus was transmitted by the eriophyid mite Abacarus hystrix. Particle structure and size were comparable to the USA and UK strains. The coat protein and RNA were found to be slightly larger than previously reported, being 32kDa and 2·8 × 10⁶, respectively. The virus exhibited serological cross-reactivity with antisera to RMV-Wales and RMV-Canada but was not serologically related to other Rymovirus members.     

The selectivity of methabenzthiazuron between barley, perennial ryegrass and Poa trivialis

In field experiments methabenzthiazuron at 1.1 kg ai/ha applied pre-emergence gave good control of Poa trivialis L. in perennial ryegrass S23 which was undersown in spring barley (Zephyr); no significant damage to barley or perennial ryegrass resulted from 2.2 kg ai/ha. However this dose applied when barley had three to four leaves decreased the subsequent barley yield. In pot experiments in the glasshouse methabenzthiazuron was active mainly due to uptake through the soil. Much greater damage to barley and perennial ryegrass resulted when herbicide-treated soil was placed below seed level than above the seed. The difference was less marked with P. trivialis. The latter started to develop secondary roots near the soil surface earlier than either perennial ryegrass or spring barley.     

Mapping and Comparative Analysis of QTL for Crown Rust Resistance in an Italian x Perennial Ryegrass Population

ABSTRACT Crown rust (Puccinia coronata f. sp. lolli) is a serious fungal foliar disease of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) and Italian ryegrass (L. multiflorum Lam.), which are important forage and turf species. A number of quantitative trait loci (QTL) for crown rust resistance previously were identified in perennial ryegrass under growth chamber or greenhouse conditions. In this study, we conducted a QTL mapping for crown rust resistance in a three-generation Italian x perennial ryegrass interspecific population under natural field conditions at two locations over 2 years. Through a comparative mapping analysis, we also investigated the syntenic relationships of previously known crown rust resistance genes in other ryegrass germplasms and oat, and genetic linkage between crown rust resistance QTL and three lignin genes: LpOMT1, LpCAD2, and LpCCR1. The interspecific mapping population of 156 progeny was developed from a cross between two Italian x perennial ryegrass hybrids, MFA and MFB. Because highly susceptible reactions to crown rust were observed from all perennial ryegrass clones, including two grandparental clones and eight clones from different pedigrees tested in this study, two grandparent clones from Italian ryegrass cv. Floregon appeared to be a source of the resistance. Two QTL on linkage groups (LGs) 2 and 7 in the resistant parent MFA map were detected consistently regardless of year and location. The others, specific to year and location, were located on LGs 3 and 6 in the susceptible parent MFB map. The QTL on LG2 was likely to correspond to those previously reported in three unrelated perennial ryegrass mapping populations; however, the other QTL on LGs 3, 6, and 7 were not. The QTL on LG7 was closely located in the syntenic genomic region where genes Pca cluster, Pcq2, Pc38, and Prq1b resistant to crown rust (P. coronata f. sp. avenae) in oat (Avena sativa L.) were previously identified. Similarly, the QTL on LG3 was found in a syntenic region with oat genes resistant to crown rust isolates PC54 and PC59. This indicates that the ortholoci for resistance genes to different formae speciales of crown rust might be present between two distantly related grass species, ryegrass and oat. In addition, we mapped four restriction fragment length polymorphism loci for three key ryegrass lignin genes encoding caffeic acid-O-methyltransferase, cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase, and cinnamoyl CoA-reductase on LG7. These loci were within a range of 8 to 17 centimorgans from the QTL on LG7, suggesting no tight linkage between them. The putative ortholoci for those lignin biosynthesis genes were identified on segments of rice (Oryza sativa L.) chromosomes 6 and 8, which are the counterparts of ryegrass LG7. Results from the current study facilitate understanding of crown rust resistance and its relationship with lignin biosynthesis, and also will benefit ryegrass breeders for improving crown rust resistance through marker-assisted selection.     

Incidence of Acremonium lolii and lack of correlation with barley yellow dwarf viruses in Tasmanian perennial ryegrass pastures

The perennial ryegrass endophyte Acremonium lolii occurred in all ryegrass (Lolium perenne) pastures sampled in Tasmania. Cultivars tested included Ellett, Martlet, Tasdale, Tasmanian No. 1 and Victorian. The range in incidence was 4–94% (average 66%). Many pastures more than 4 years old caused perennial ryegrass staggers syndrome in livestock, and the range in incidence in these pastures was 79–94%. There was no correlation, positive or negative, between barley yellow dwarf virus infection and the incidence of A. lolii. There was good agreement between ELISA and microscopic examination of epidermal strips. However unlike previous studies, the ELISA test was specific for A. lolii and did not detect Acremonium coenophialum , the endophyte of tall fescue.     

Barley yellow dwarf viruses in Japanese pasture grasses and lack of correlation with the presence of fungal endophytes

Pasture grasses from temperate Japan were tested for infection with barley yellow dwarf viruses (BYDVs) and fungal endophytes. BYDVs from both the MAV and RPV subgroups were detected, but no symptoms attributable to BYDV infection were observed. Not all isolates from the MAV subgroup could be clearly discriminated as MAV or PAV solely on ELISA results, and may have been intermediate serotypes or mixed infections. BYDVs were found to infect fescue ( Festuca arundinacea : 17%), ryegrass ( Lolium perenne : 41%), timothy ( Phleum pratense : 94%) and Poa spp. (20%). Fescue and ryegrass were predominantly infected with RPV and PAV, respectively. The small collections of Poa spp. were only infected with PAV, while timothy was only tested for MAV subgroup viruses. In fescue 26% of tillers were infected with Acremonium coenophialum , and 60% of ryegrass tillers from an ecotype collection were infected with Acremonium lolii. There was no correlation between BYDV infection and the presence of endophytes for the above species or for Epichloe typhina -infected (50%) timothy. An ELISA test for A. lolii did not detect A. coenophialum in fescue or E. typhina in timothy but showed good agreement with epidermal staining of A. lolii in ryegrass leaf sheaths.     

Volunteer winter wheat: its effects and control in ryegrass seed production

The effects of different populations of volunteer winter wheal and their control with ethofumesate and TCA on growth, seed yield and yield components of S.24 perennial ryegrass were investigated in lield experiments in 1978 and 1979. Reductions in ryegrass seed yield due to the presence of wheat depended on the density of wheat and the number and dry weight of ryegrass tillers. The greatest percentage reduction in ryegrass seed yield occurred at high densities of wheat (300 plants m^?2) when the number of ear-bearing tillers and 1000 seed weight of ryegrass were reduced. When Ihe density of wheat was low (80 plants m^?2) a smaller reduction in ryegrass seed yield occurred and the number of live wheat plants remaining gradually decreased. Within the range of wheat densities in these experiments (0–300 plants m ^?2) a 1% loss in ryegrass seed yield occurred for every 10 wheal plants m^?2 present in the crop post winter. Both herbicides caused a reduction in number of ryegrass tillers during growth but, except where TCA was applied at 12 kg ha^?1 in November, ryegrass seed yields were not significantly reduced (in comparison with a wheat-free control) and were always greater than those obtained in the presence of wheat where no herbicides had been applied. Levels of volunteer infestation of 300 wheat plants m^?2 were controlled with minimum risk of crop damage by applications of 6 kg ha^?1 TCA in either October or November, or by application of 1–9 kg ha^?1 ethofumesate in November.     

Blind seed disease of ryegrass in the Netherlands

The blind seed disease of ryegrass, caused by the fungusGloeotinia temulenta, is always present but seldom becoming important in the Netherlands. In 1965, however, probably due to a very rainy summer, it developed epiphytotically especially in the awned ryegrasses, Italian and Westerwold. With the waterdrop method an average seed infection of 19.2% was observed. Westerwold ryegrass was more strongly infected than Italian, and tetraploids heavier than diploids. The disease was most prevalent in the coastal provinces, petering out towards the South-East. In samples of the 1964 and earlier harvests the fungus was also found, although it seldom reached high percentages. The relationship between infection percentage and germinating capacity percentage of the samples was approximately a 45° one, the correlation coefficient between both values being 0.77. Extra cleaning of seed samples did not influence their infection percentages. In experiments on seed treatment the agar method was used for determining viable infection. The hot water method with 30 minutes at 50°C as indicated by Irish workers, as well as the mercurial treatment in combination with heat advocated in Scotland, appeared to leave part of the infection surviving. A warm water treatment with 2–2 1/2 hours at 45°–46°C, however, proved to be very satisfactory by totally eradicating the infection without injuring the seed.     

A comparative study of the Barley yellow dwarf virus species PAV and PAS: distribution,accumulation and host resistance

This study investigated the distribution and characteristics of the Barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV) species BYDV‐PAS, which was recently separated from BYDV‐PAV, the most commonly studied BYDV species. Throughout 3 years of experimental monitoring of BYDV incidence, PAS was the most frequently occurring species infecting cereals and grasses in the Czech Republic. Furthermore, Rhopalosiphum maidis and Metopolophium dirhodum were recorded as BYDV‐PAS vectors, even though M. dirhodum does not usually transmit BYDV‐PAV. In field experiments with barley and wheat, where virus accumulation, symptoms and effect on the yield were tested, BYDV‐PAV was more severe than PAS. Infection with the BYDV‐PAV isolate resulted in greater expression of symptoms and also in a greater reduction in plant height and grain weight per spike than BYDV‐PAS. In a sensitive cultivar of barley (Graciosa), the amount of viral RNA of BYDV‐PAV was also significantly higher than that of BYDV‐PAS. In a tolerant line (Wbon‐123), however, no such differences were found. In conclusion, although BYDV‐PAS seems to be dominant in the Czech Republic, BYDV‐PAV has the potential to cause more significant crop losses in barley and wheat.     

Improved physical control of glyphosate‐resistant Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum) on rice paddy levees in Japan

Italian ryegrass ( Lolium multiflorum Lam.) is a non‐native annual winter grass that has seriously infested rice paddy levees and wheat fields in Japan. Recently, glyphosate‐resistant Italian ryegrass was found on paddy levees in central Japan, thereby making control of the grass by using glyphosate less effective. In this study, physical control methods were tested that combined the timing and frequency of mowing in order to more effectively control glyphosate‐resistant Italian ryegrass on rice paddy levees. A 3 year field experiment was conducted from 2012 to 2014 in a western region of Shizuoka Prefecture, where glyphosate‐resistant Italian ryegrass has become dominant. Five treatments were tested: (i) mowing once before the flowering of the grass (i.e. conventional mowing measure); (ii) mowing once during flowering; (iii) mowing twice during flowering; (iv) glyphosate application before flowering (i.e. one of the conventional mowing measures); and (v) no treatment. The above‐ground biomass, seed production, soil seed bank and seedling occurrence of Italian ryegrass were measured to determine the effectiveness of these treatments. Mowing during the flowering period resulted in reduced above‐ground biomass, seed production and soil seed bank when compared with the other treatments. Additionally, mowing twice during the flowering period resulted in a lower seedling density than mowing once. The results suggest that, in this region, physical control by mowing during the flowering period would be more effective than conventional measures for controlling glyphosate‐resistant Italian ryegrass.     

Occurrence of viruses in irrigated wheat in Zambia

Surveys were conducted during the cool-dry months of June–August 1997 and June–July 1998 for the presence of viruses in irrigated wheat in Central, Copperbelt, Lusaka and Southern Provinces of Zambia in 14 commercial farms and four wheat cultivar plots. Virus symptoms were observed on nine wheat cultivars ( Triticum aestivum 'Deka', 'Gamtoos', 'Lorie II', 'MM2', 'Nata', 'Nkwazi', 'P7', 'Scan' and 'Sceptre') of South African, Zambian and Zimbabwean origin. Several viruses were identified on the basis of field symptomatology, symptoms developing on mechanically inoculated indicator plant species or cultivars and serology (DAS-ELISA). The study revealed the occurrence of Brome mosaic virus (BMV), Barley stripe mosaic virus (BSMV), Barley yellow dwarf virus and its strains (BYDV-PAV and RPV), Soil-borne wheat mosaic virus (SBWMV), Wheat dwarf virus (WDV), Wheat streak mosaic virus (WSMV) and Wheat spindle streak mosaic virus (WSSMV). DSA-ELISA tests confirmed these identifications. The prevalence of viruses varied annually and from field to field. BSMV, BYDV-PAV, SBWMV, WDV, WSMV and WSSMV were found to be the most prevalent viruses. Viruses generally occurred in mixed infections of 3–6 viruses and the most common virus complex consisted of 4 viruses (50%), viz. BYDV, SBWMV, WDV and WSSMV. Five- and six-virus complexes were relatively less common (20% each) whereas 3-virus complex was noticed in only 10% cases. SBWMV and WSSMV have been found to be new to Africa and Zambia and are reportedly vectored by a fungal protist – Polymyxa graminis . BYDV strains MAV and SGV were also tested but gave negative results against their antisera.     

一种由麦二叉蚜、禾缢管蚜非专化性传毒的小麦黄矮病毒株系鉴定

 通过对河南省灵宝县采集的小麦黄矮病病株标样进行4种蚜虫传毒比较、薄膜饲毒、不同温度饲毒和接种试验、麦二叉蚜成、若蚜传毒比较及酶联免疫吸附试验等.证明这种标样的病毒只能由麦二叉蚜、禾缢管蚜非专化性传播,而麦长管蚜,玉米蚜不能传播.定为小麦黄矮病毒麦二叉蚜禾缢管蚜非专化性株系.     

A study of competition between seedlings of gorse (Ulex europaeus L.) and perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) by means of a replacement series experiment

Competiton between seedlings of gorse (Ulex europaeus L.) and perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L cv. Grasslands Nui) was studied in a replacement series experiment under glasshouse conditions. Without cutting, the shoot growth of gorse in monoculture exceeded that of ryegrass over 22 weeks but was reduced more by competition from ryegrass than the grass growth was reduced by competition from gorse. The root system of gorse was small compared with that of ryegrass and was further reduced by competition. Cutting three times at 2 or 4 cm reduced the total growth of both species and gorse was affected more than ryegrass. With grass, however, the ‘growth between succeeding cuts declined faster than that of gorse and in the final harvest period, gorse in monoculture oulyielded ryegrass. The relative crowding coefficients of gorse were low compared with those of ryegrass and their products consistently exceeded 1.0. The results are discussed in relation to lirmiting seedling establishment of gorse in the field.     

Influence of after-ripening environments on the germination characteristics and seed fate of Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum)

Italian ryegrass ( Lolium multiflorum Lam.) is an exotic winter annual weed that recently has seriously infested wheat fields in central Japan. To understand the influence of tillage systems on the germination ecology and seedbank dynamics of naturalized Italian ryegrass, we compared the fate of the seeds that were after-ripened in the soil with that of the seeds on the soil surface, and then examined the germination characteristics of the seeds retrieved from both treatments by germination tests in both a light/dark (12 h photoperiod) condition and in constant darkness. The seedling emergence was greater initially for the seeds after-ripened on the soil surface than for the seeds in the soil. The component of emergent seeds after-ripened on the soil surface increased as time passed during the summer, whereas that of emergent seeds in the soil scarcely increased. This contrasting emergence was, in part, attributable to the ability of the seeds to germinate at higher temperatures in the light/dark condition than in constant darkness. These results suggest that untilled systems, which leave many seeds on the soil surface, might promote the rapid depletion of Italian ryegrass seeds through germination before wheat sowing in early winter. In contrast, seed burial by tillage might inhibit the germination of the seeds and form a large transient seed bank available to germinate during the wheat-growing season.     

Characterization of wheatgrass-derived barley yellow dwarf virus resistance in a wheat alien chromosome substitution line

ABSTRACT Wheatgrass (Thinopyrum intermedium) possesses a high level of resistance to barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV) subgroup I and subgroup II strains. A wheat line (P29), in which the 7D chromosome has been substituted with a group 7 chromosome from T. intermedium, was examined for the level of resistance to two subgroup I and two subgroup II BYDV strains. In P29 plants inoculated with the subgroup I PAV strains, the titer of virus in leaf and stem tissue was typically reduced 42 to 52% when compared with the BYDV-susceptible cv. Abe. P29 and 'Abe' had the same content of PAV in roots. These results and the absence of detectable virus in inoculated T. intermedium plants indicate that the complete resistance to subgroup I possessed by the wheatgrass has not been introgressed into P29. In contrast, P29 was completely resistant throughout the plant to the subgroup II strains, NY-RPV and NY-RMV, demonstrating that the complete resistance to subgroup II in T. intermedium was incorporated into P29. Further analysis of this resistance to NY-RPV showed that NY-RPV can replicate in mesophyll protoplasts of P29 and 'Abe', suggesting that this resistance is not operating at the single-cell level. Molecular marker analysis confirmed that the T. intermedium chromosome present in P29 is a different group 7 wheatgrass chromosome than that present in L1, a wheat line with BYDV resistance properties similar to those of P29.