Kansas wheat farmers facing worst Wheat Streak Mosaic Virus outbreak since 2017
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Wheat farmers in Kansas are facing one of the worst Wheat Streak Mosaic Virus (WSMV) outbreaks in years.
The wheat curl mite is a small but mighty adversary of Kansas wheat producers as the vector for WSMV, Triticum mosaic virus (TriMV) and High Plains Mosaic Virus.
Federal court gives Missouri 60 days to remedy SNAP program violations
Experts with Kansas Wheat said producers across the state appear to be losing the battle against these tiny critters and the diseases they carry in what could be the worst WSMV outbreak since 2017.
'We have some fields that are close to total losses,' said Kelsey Andersen Onofre, K-State assistant professor of plant pathology, who has been across the state scouting fields. 'It's hard to walk in a wheat field in Kansas right now and not find at least low-level, trace-level symptoms of WSMV—and that's pretty unusual.'
Andersen Onofre explained that symptoms of WSMV – symptomatic leaves with dark green coloring and light-yellow discolorations or stunted plants with a distinct yellow discoloration – are showing up more clearly over the past few weeks as temperatures warm up.
Experts suspect that a high population of mites from this past summer managed to survive the mild winter and disperse over long distances up to one or two miles away.
There are now concerning levels of the diseases they carry across the state, Kansas Wheat said in a news release.
'If we have an extended, warm fall, like we did in 2024, it's a perfect storm for mite populations to stay at high levels and increase later in the season,' Andersen Onofre said. 'The more populations increase, the higher the chance they will be blown by wind into neighboring fields. If the weather stays warm, we can see this spread continue over long distances.'
The group said this is certainly the case in Saline County, where more diverse cropping systems are making it an emerging issue where it hasn't traditionally been found.
'This is by far the worst year I've seen for impact of wheat streak mosaic virus in our area,' said Gypsum farmer Justin Knopf. 'Many fields have been affected with a high level of presence of the virus. Some fields…right next to a field where the source was have significant impact.'
Producers with infected fields should expect yield loss, especially in fields where the flag leaf has already turned yellow, experts warned.
'Unless we have a significant weather event such as hail or excessive heat during grain fill, wheat streak mosaic virus is likely to be the number one cause of yield loss in this area,' Knopf said.
Unfortunately, there is no effective treatment for WSMV once the infection has occurred.
Kansas Wheat said in its news release that producers must balance estimated yield loss, requirements for crop insurance and the economics behind terminating the most severely infected fields in favor of planting a summer crop.
FOX4 Newsletters: Sign up for daily forecasts and Joe's Weather Blog in your inbox
'Unfortunately, there is not much to do at this point in the season if you have a field that has severe WSMV infection,' Andersen Onofre said. 'These fields are likely not good candidates for a fungicide application. Fungicides will have no effect on wheat streak, and it will be difficult to recover yield losses from foliar diseases if yield potential is already reduced by wheat streak.
'We do not recommend spraying insecticides or miticides. There is no immediate action you can take to slow down the spread of WSMV or preserve yield in affected fields.'
Knopf attributed the widespread infection this year to three really dry falls and winters in a row, more hail in the area in 2024 (areas with hail are virus hot spots) and more diverse cropping systems, including warm season cover crops and double cropping.
For more advice on how to deal with WSMV, click here. You can read more about the virus at kswheat.com/wheatstreak.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Buzz Feed
a day ago
- Buzz Feed
38 Products Your Friends Will Think Are Genius
A 2-in-1 nausea relief inhaler designed to work FAST on spontaneous nausea, motion sickness, morning sickness, and general queasiness (having a human body is hard). Summer road trips and cruises just got a HECK of a lot more bearable. A set of heavy duty Tub O Towels wipes that are most definitely not here to play — they're basically the paper towel version of The Rock and can lift up stains on anything from grease to permanent marker to nail polish. Bonus: they're tough on stains, but the aloe vera in them makes them super gentle on skin! A set of DEET-free handy mosquito-repelling bracelets for the ultimate in genius summer investments — these use essential oils, including citronella, to help stop those teensy vampires in their tracks. And if it's too late for that, a set of kid-friendly hydrocolloid mosquito itch relief patches you can wear at the beach, pool, bath, or shower without worrying about them sliding off. Reviewers swear by these not just for helping prevent itching, but to reduce the redness and swelling faster. A reusable, family-friendly sand eraser to *instantly* remove sand from your skin with a quick swipe so you don't feel like an itchy mermonster in the car all the way home. A reviewer-beloved four-piece airtight food saver set designed to adapt to the shape of halved fruits so you can snack or cook at your leisure without worrying about food waste. Truly, what wouldn't we do to keep a perfectly ripe avocado half safe?? A travel-friendly, K-beauty staple SPF 50 Airy Sunstick Smoothing Bar with a curved balm stick style that makes it super easy to apply, and a nonsticky, white cast–free formula that plays ABSURDLY well with makeup. If you're looking for a lightweight "soft matte" sunscreen to protect your skin, this is your new BFF. And a set of sunscreen reminder stickers — these UV stickers have SPF recognition and will change colors to let you know both when your SPF is working, and then again when it's time to slather more sunscreen on. Each sticker is water-resistant and works for up to twelve hours. NOT TODAY, SUN!!! And juuuust in case you need it — Solarcaine Aloe Sunburn Relief Spray for when those sunburns aren't just an "ouch" but a full on "YIKES!" This is designed for fast-acting, long-lasting relief from burning, pain, *and* itching, so it will be your secret weapon for summer sunburns, scrapes, and bug bites. A chic under-the-cabinet banana hanger so easy to install that you'll wonder why you didn't free up all your counter space *YEARS* ago. Also digging the whole "bananas as decor" vibe here. A set of Tide Sink Packs you can use to do laundry right in the sink, whether you're traveling or need to get some items clean in a quick pinch. Now the WHOLE WORLD is your laundry machine!! A set of hair tie bracelets designed to look like *actual* jewelry, so you won't be kicking yourself when you realize you left a hair tie on your wrist for every photo. An ingenious floating sunglasses strap perfect for windy or hectic days at the pool, beach, or boat when your expensive shades might risk sinking into the watery abyss. Ariel has enough sunglasses in her collection down there, she doesn't need yours. A teensy undetectable laptop mouse jiggler you can slide into the USB to keep your computer active on Teams, Slack, and all those other various technological overlords that keep track of you when you're working from home. Sometimes, a human has to pee or walk the dog or fall into a 10-minute TikTok abyss without worrying their screen is going to tattle on them to Daddy Capitalism!! A set of reusable Gripstic bag sealers, which are sticks that clamp over open snack bags to make sure they're genuinely sealed and airtight. (We cannot risk letting our beloved Cheez-Its get stale!!) These also save a lot of space compared to regular chip clips and are safer, considering there isn't a spring that could either wear out or break on you in the middle of sealing something. 😬 A four-pack of silicone straw soda can lids that are like, "Oh, you're obsessed with Diet Coke? Let me find you a reason to be even MORE obsessed." Reviewers love these not just for the ~thrill~ of a straw, but because the covers make the cans a whole lot more spill-proof, prevent your drink from going flat, and protect your can from bugs and debris during outdoor hangs. A two-slice slim toaster to fit virtually *anywhere* in your tiny kitchen, and to look gosh darn adorable doing it. Bonus — these long slots make it ideal for larger slices of bread, like your beloved sourdoughs. A drain snake you can funnel into your shower or sink drain that honestly works a little *too* well at unclogging hair in older sinks and bath tubs, pulling it up in one (semi-horrifying) go before you have to resort to potentially pipe-damaging traditional drain cleaners. A standing weeder because YOU KNEEL FOR NO REBEL PLANT LIFE!! Now you can yank those invaders out of the ground and away from your beloved plants without making your spinal cord rue the day your backyard was born. A truly talented cooling towel you can use to prevent yourself from overheating — all you have to do is wet this to make it deliciously chilly for your neck or head. Once it warms up, you can wet it again to instantly get back the chill! A snap-on pasta strainer to free your pasta from its hot juices straight from the pot and spare you storage space to boot. (Is it just me, or are colanders always in the business of being exactly in the way of whatever it is you need?) Psst — these are also a game changer for washing your fruit! A beach towel clip you can attach to a beach chair to stop it from blowing away while you're off gallivanting in the ocean trying to make friends with a mermaid. Reviewers also love this for building blanket forts, holding down tablecloths, and hanging wet items like suits and towels at the end of a long beach day. An Airplane Pocket tray cover that slides seamlessly over an airplane tray to create an instant, deeply convenient hub — this comes with a number of pockets so you can keep track of all your devices, snacks, and other odds and ends without rooting around for them in the gross back pocket or your carry-on the whole flight. Bonus: This bb is an excellent way to prevent touching a germ-y tray, and it's fully machine washable. A self-cleaning broom and dust pan set designed with pet owners in mind — the bristle cleaner installed in the dust pan makes it *super* easy to dislodge pet hair into the dust pan so you're not sweeping the floor with it all jammed up in there. A "spray and go" enzyme-based laundry stain remover that works its magic in one wash to help you instantly get rid of all that discolored dried sweat, oil stains, or deodorant residue on your favorite clothes, so you don't have to do any heavy scrubbing yourself. A crinkle cutter tool for veggies, fruit, potatoes, and cheese that not only makes meal prep a breeze, but makes certain foods more enticing for the picky eaters in the fam. Everyone knows a squiggly-shaped thing tastes better than a regular shape ... it's just science! A "Lifty Loo" toilet seat handle to keep things germ-free when you're lifting the toilet seat up and down — even your toilet seat deserves to accessorize!! And these come with an adhesive that make them super easy to install. A car dashboard anti-slip pad designed to be sticky enough that nothing will ever slide off that surface again — I'm talking phones, GPS screens, baby mirrors, glasses, or even just cute little accessories to liven the place up. It's like having a lil' sticky trap for your stuff right in your car. A waterproof pouch to keep your phone and other "doesn't play well with water"–type gadgets safe. Not only does this keep it safe, but you can still use the touchscreen with it, meaning you can take underwater travel photos galore 🐠🐟🐡. A magnetic microwave cover perfect for anyone whose Panera soup obsession is a little *too* well documented over every surface inside of their microwave. This conveniently sticks to the top of your microwave so you can pop it right off whenever you're looking to tear up some broccoli cheddar on a wild Tuesday night. A double-sided cutting board *and* defrosting board with enough capabilities to make your lil' brain spin. One side of the board is made with food-grade stainless steel for cutting meat while the other is made with wheat straw for cutting fruits and veggies, helping save cutting board space and preventing cross-contamination. But reviewers also note that the stainless-steel side is *excellent* for defrosting meat faster, and the built-in garlic grinder on the wheat straw side is also a handy little time saver! A set of legging organizing hangers for anyone who owns approximately [number redacted] pairs that are currently tangled in a dresser drawer like a giant athleisure nest. This will not only free up space, but give you easy access so you're not rooting through them for the One Pair That Makes Your Butt Look Good. A laundry soap station that will help organize your space *and* serve as a handy drip tray for your detergent, so you don't have to lug that jumbo container like a lumberjack every time you need to squeeze a few suds out for a load. This also helps ensure you get every last drop out of the container! A set of paint touch-up pens to quickly deal with lil' scuff and scratch marks that pop up on your walls without having to do the whole song and dance of whipping out a giant roller brush. (Ah, we love the fresh smell of "getting my deposit back" in the morning.) Birdie, an indoor carbon dioxide monitor that — bless her dramatic heart — flips over and "dies" if the air quality in your home goes down, prompting you to open a window or run an air purifier so you can breathe easier. Once Birdie is happy with the air quality again, she'll pop back up! "The Clean Ball," which is a nifty little gizmo you can stick in your purse or bag to pick up all the crumbs and debris that settle down there — now it'll be clean as a whistle whenever you go rooting through it, and you won't have to get all the "ick!!" on your belongings. A "Magic Tap" automatic drink dispenser as the ultimate parent hack — this battery-operated, spillproof system easily slides into jugs of water, milk, and juice in your fridge to make it easy for kids to serve themselves. Essentially it means a whole lot more independence for the kiddos, and a WHOLE lot more convenience for you. A set of darling reusable Swedish dishcloths that can be washed up to 50 times in the dishwasher, and are designed to replace 17 (!!) rolls of paper towels each. These are strong enough to tackle tough stains and grime, but gentle enough that they won't scratch cookware or hurt your skin.
CBS News
2 days ago
- CBS News
I-70 shut down in both directions in Colorado due to a battle against an Eagle County wildfire
Colorado transportation officials have closed Interstate 70 west of Vail in both directions. It happened early Wednesday evening near Wolcott. The interstate was closed east of Gypsum and west of Avon. At 5:15 p.m. a large number of cars could be seen backed up on I-70 in the area of the closure. So far it's not clear how big the wildfire is or if any structures are threatened.
Buzz Feed
4 days ago
- Buzz Feed
28 Underrated Summer Products You'll Use Over And Over
A 2-in-1 nausea relief inhaler designed to work FAST on spontaneous nausea, motion sickness, morning sickness, and general queasiness (having a human body is hard). Summer road trips and cruises just got a HECK of a lot more bearable. CoverGirl's Yummy Blur Lipstick, which is designed to roll on as a balm and dry matte, giving you the best of both lippie worlds. This gives a smooth, diffused finish for a step above the "no makeup makeup" look. If you're going for a minimalist, easy-to-maintain summer beauty routine, this is a must! A set of kid-friendly hydrocolloid mosquito itch relief patches you can wear at the beach, pool, bath, or shower without worrying about them sliding off. Reviewers swear by these not just for helping prevent itching, but to reduce the redness and swelling faster. An effortlessly chic woven straw summer clutch to pair perfectly with any summer outfit, whether you're kicking back at the beach or fancying it up for a wedding. This is basically the purse equivalent of that one friend of yours who's always like "Yeah, I'm down" before you even tell them the plans. Solarcaine Aloe Sunburn Relief Spray for when those sunburns aren't just an "ouch" but a full on "YIKES!" This is designed for fast-acting, long-lasting relief from burning, pain, *and* itching, so it will be your secret weapon for summer sunburns, scrapes, and bug bites. A travel-friendly, K-beauty staple SPF 50 Airy Sunstick Smoothing Bar with a curved balm stick style that makes it super easy to apply, and a nonsticky, white cast–free formula that plays ABSURDLY well with makeup. If you're looking for a lightweight "soft matte" sunscreen to protect your skin, this is your new BFF. And Vacation Orange Gelée SPF 30 Gel, a luxurious "balm to oil" blend designed to smell and look so good that you'll wonder how the SPF even got in there. The iconic orange tint blends perfectly into all skin tones and leaves a glossy shine, and the scent is nothing short of decadent — a "French Riviera" scent that blends sandalwood, bergamot, saffron, patchouli, and clove. Suddenly putting on sunscreen doesn't feel like a chore!! An oh-so-cozy patio lounge rocking chair that's basically what happens when a couch and a rocking chair have an outdoor-friendly baby. This all-purpose cuddly spot is perfect for any summer agendas, whether it's to read books, gossip with the neighbors, or take biiiiiig long sunshine-y naps. Dove Brown Sugar and Coconut Butter Body Scrub designed to be oh-so-gentle on your skin, with a softer texture that isn't as coarse as other brands but leaves you fully exfoliated and smooth. Plus there's the added bonus of smelling so yummy that you'll be like, "Oooh, should I take a bite out of my own self?" And Olay's Firming Body Lotion full of collagen peptides and a Vitamin B3 complex for *ultra* hydrating relief that's also designed to visibly plump, firm, and moisturize your skin — all at a fraction of the price of other firming lotions, like the internet's beloved $48 Elasti-Cream. Black Girl Sunscreen's Make It Pop Sungloss with SPF 50 (!!) that reviewers *adore* both as a glossy shine on bare lips, or to make their signature lippies pop. Who knew sun protection could look so chic? An ingenious floating sunglasses strap perfect for windy or hectic days at the pool, beach, or boat when your expensive shades might risk sinking into the watery abyss. Ariel has enough sunglasses in her collection down there, she doesn't need yours. A versatile ribbon scarf you can use as the perfect accent to any summer outfit, whether you're using it to tie back your hair, add some color and whimsy to your purse, or using as an elegant ascot. It's like buying a bunch of accessories for the price of one! A tinted lip balm so close to the same magic as "Black Honey," TikTok's beloved $25 ~universal shade~ from Clinique, that it will genuinely startle you — especially when you see the price. This is a perfect, non-sticky "go-to" lippie that's just a step above the "no makeup makeup" look, giving the perfect subtly polished effect. First Aid Beauty Ingrown Hair Pads to use after you shave to help prevent the infection of ingrown hairs, so you don't have to spend hours psyching yourself up to shave, knowing that you're gonna be dodging a bazillion sensitive spots on your skin. A 16-ounce mini Nalgene bottle for when you're not Big Thirsty, not Little Thirsty, but decidedly just Medium Thirsty. This small, easily portable bottle is great for commuters on the go who don't want the full bulk of a water bottle but also want to stray hydrated (in the most adorable way possible). Wild Iris Musk Body Wash, the summer-friendly sister of the TikTok-famous "old money" Baccarat Rouge 540-inspired body wash. I am a massive fan of both — the moisturizing clean is so fresh, and the scents are so DELIGHTFULLY luscious without overpowering — but trust me when I say that Wild Iris Musk is *the* warm weather scent. It's floral, soft, playful, and grounded all at once. (And yes, just like the original version, it smells ... expensive. 👀) A set of reusable rainbow poopy "water balloon," a set of environmentally-friendly splash toys that prove poop really can save the world. Magnets keep the balloons closed, so all you have to do to refill is dunk them in a safe water source and snap the shut again. Let the (kinda gross, but still cute) games begin!! A reusable, family-friendly sand eraser to *instantly* remove sand from your skin with a quick swipe so you don't feel like an itchy mermonster in the car all the way home. A four-pack of silicone straw soda can lids that are like, "Oh, you're obsessed with Diet Coke? Let me find you a reason to be even MORE obsessed." Reviewers love these not just for the ~thrill~ of a straw, but because the covers make the cans a whole lot more spill-proof, prevent your drink from going flat, and protect your can from bugs and debris during outdoor hangs. A set of espresso martini instant cocktail tea bags — all the sophistication of tea, the zing! of coffee, and the 😜 of a cheeky cocktail, without the exorbitant bar price tags. All you have to do is add three ounces of cold water, 1.5 ounces of hard liquor, and the tea sachet into a glass, and you'll have a delicious cocktail in one minute. A whisper-quiet Wi-Fi–enabled smart air circulator fan you can control via app, Google Home, Alexa, or remote to keep yourself feeling easy breezy all summer long. Just ask the cast members of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, which is how this luxe little gizmo got on some happy reviewers' radars! An adorable, clear waterproof sunscreen bag to keep your various SPFs for easy access when you need to protect yourself from the sun's shenanigans, and to keep the rest of your stuff safe if one of your sunscreen bottles decides to go ~kaboom~. (Psst — these have the same vibe as the beloved Stoney Clover cosmetic bags that start at $68!) A pair of cheerful, super lightweight boxer-style shorts so comfy and adorable that you are about to put your denim shorts on notice for the rest of the year — especially since these are a MUCH cheaper alternative to the $98 Reformation version. A mini colander with folding handles that is basically a mandatory purchase for fruit and veggie lovers — reviewers love how easy it is to plop produce into this lil' guy and rinse it off in the sink with no muss, no fuss of drying everything out after! Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza POOLSIDE EDITION (!!) so now you can play this deeply beloved, family-friendly, fast-paced card game all summer long. Bonus: each game only lasts 10–15 minutes, so you can go one or a few rounds depending on how much time you've got together. Spooky Summer, another beloved stress relief coloring book from Southern Lotus, a brand that's made itself famous on TikTok for its cozy, relaxing, easy-to-draw themes. This one is full of happy little spooks enjoying their favorite summer ~haunts~. Waterloo Spiced Mango Sorbet Sparkling Water that delivers so well on all three of those flavors that I feel like it just went down to the mocktail playground and beat up all the summer favorites.
