MONitor and DETect

Aphids are among the major global pests, causing significant economic damage to food and commodity crops.

Barley/Cereal yellow dwarf virus (B/CYDV) is vectored by aphids and is one of the most important viral diseases in cereals and grass species in the family Poaceae, with yield losses ranging from 5% to 80%.

Potato Virus Y (PVY) a is transmitted by more than 40 aphid species, and is fifth in the world’s top ten most important plant viruses.

In potato, it causes substantial yield reduction and loss of tuber quality.The EU has indicated through the EU Biodiversity Strategy 2030 the need to reduce use of pesticides by 50% by 2030.

Better diagnostic capabilities for B/CYDV and PVY allows targeted pest control, reducing unnecessary pesticide application, which will contribute to achieving this reduction.

MONET will improve understanding and control of these viruses by; 1) Advancing detection of B/CYDV and PVY. 2) Identifying the vector responsible for infection through surveying B/CYDV and PVY species in crops and aphid vectors.

Knowing the principle vector and viral strain is crucial for improving DSS for farmers. 3) Investigating virus-vector manipulation using viral transmission assay with primary aphid vectors and most common strains of virus found in Ireland.