Wheat cultivars and natural-based substances: Impacts on epidemiological parameters of yellow dwarf disease

For many years, control methods against aphid-transmitted barley/cereal yellow dwarf viruses (B/CYDV) in cereal fields were mainly based on the use of neonicotinoid (NNI)-coated seeds. The ban of NNI by the EU in 2018 has reinforced the interest of the scientific community in the characterization of genetic resources and biological protections to find alternatives to chemicals for the management of B/CYDV. Eleven BYDV-susceptible wheat varieties were tested using a set of experimental procedures to evaluate their potential to alter parameters linked to the biology of aphids (Rhopalosiphum padi) and spread of virus (BYDV-PAV). Moreover, two natural-based substances (azadirachtin and mineral oil) were tested for their impact on the ability of aphids to survive, colonize and transmit the virus. Results showed that the 11 genotypes tested have a level of susceptibility to virus infection similar to the susceptible reference cv. Rubisko. However, when characterization focused on virus load, latency period and aphid fecundity, partial resistance phenotypes were observed for some cultivars. Furthermore, azadirachtin increased aphid mortality and decreased aphid fecundity. Thus, in addition to genes described for their ability to limit B/CYDV infections, the genetic backgrounds of B/CYDV-susceptible wheat cultivars and azadirachtin-based treatment should be considered for future management strategies against yellow dwarf disease.