New monitoring data from the UK Aphid Monitoring Network suggests a greater proportion of autumn aphids are carrying Barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV) than has typically been seen in recent years,
Data collected between 2020 and 2024 showed that, on average, 22.3% of aphids tested positive for BYDV. However, recent monitoring results suggest virus incidence may be running above this historic average. In autumn 2025, 34% of tested aphids carried BYDV, while analysis of samples processed so far in autumn 2026 indicates 35% are carrying the virus.
Each year, the AHDB-backed programme tests more than 1,000 aphids for BYDV collected from a network of suction traps to build a picture of potential virus pressure across the country. The AHDB says monitoring will continue while conditions remain suitable for aphid flight activity.
Sacha White, lead crop protection scientist at the AHDB, says the majority of aphids still do not carry BYDV, but the latest results suggest a higher proportion are testing positive.
“Monitoring this trend is important because virus incidence is one of several factors that influence the potential risk to crops. As more data becomes available through the autumn, we’ll continue to assess what the results are telling us.
“Rather than making decisions based on a single risk factor, following an integrated pest management (IPM) approach, growers should consider virus incidence alongside drilling date, local aphid activity, crop value and treatment costs.
“The new BYDV management tool brings these factors together to help growers assess whether an insecticide application is likely to provide a return on investment. The tool is updated with regional virus-incidence data from the monitoring network as it becomes available, helping growers make more informed, evidence-based decisions throughout the season.”
To access the tool, please visit: https://bydvtool.ahdb.org.uk/
