Virus could threaten wheat crop

WALLA WALLA – A newly discovered wheat virus in Walla Walla County could cause significant losses in winter wheat crops, researchers said.

The soil-borne virus was discovered by Matt Weber and Marshal McKinley, agronomists with the McGregor Co., who were investigating yellow patches in winter wheat in the Mill Creek area.

The virus is transmitted to wheat plants from a fungus found in soil, they said.

McKinley said the infection appears mostly concentrated over 25 acres in the Mill Creek area.