Determine the effects of WSMV on root development and water use efficiency of infected wheat

The Northern Texas Panhandle is a semiarid region and is highly dependent on irrigation for wheat production. Until recently it was unknown if wheat diseases such as WSMV had an impact on water use during times of infection. A study was conducted to determine the effects of WSMV on root development and water use efficiency of infected wheat. It was determined that WSMV infection reduced root weight by upwards of 50% or more during times of infection. The reduction of the root system reduced water uptake and water use efficiency wasting valuable water from irrigation (Price, accepted).