First Report of Wheat Spindle Streak Mosaic Virus (Bymovirus tritici, WSSMV) Infecting Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in Diyarbakır Province of Southeastern Türkiye
2025
Mehmet Zeki Kızmaz
Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is a principal staple crop in Türkiye, with the Southeastern Anatolia region playing a critical role in national grain production. In April 2024, routine field surveys in the Diyarbakır province revealed wheat plants exhibiting characteristic virus-induced symptoms including chlorotic streaks and yellowing at the leaf tips. Fifty symptomatic leaf samples were collected and screened using multiplex reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assays targeting eight common cereal viruses. The results revealed that four samples (8%) tested positive for wheat spindle streak mosaic virus (Bymovirus tritici, WSSMV), while no other viruses were amplified. This study represents the first molecular detection of WSSMV in Southeastern Türkiye, specifically in Diyarbakır. This finding underscores the necessity for regular viral pathogen surveillance and the development of proactive management strategies to mitigate potential yield losses. The study contributes valuable molecular data for the regional assessment of viral threats to wheat, and recommends implementation of integrated disease monitoring programs to safeguard crop health in Southeastern Türkiye.
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