MU Plant Diagnostic Center Offering Free Wheat Virus Testing

As more Missouri farmers consider wheat in their fields, more cases of a series of viruses impacting the cash crop could be detected. The University of Missouri’s Plant Diagnostic Clinic is offering free tests on wheat crops for five common viruses that affect the crop’s health and yield. Doctor Mandy Bish is an extension research specialist.

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Bish says the five viruses come from a pair of sources.

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MU Extension Research Specialist Mandy Bish says most of the viruses will cause speckling on the wheat leaf and stunt their growth, making the crop appear as though it is experiencing nutrient deficiency or drought stress. Details about submitting a plant sample for testing to the MU Plant Diagnostic Clinic are available on the university’s website, or by calling the clinic at 573-882-3019.