The Relationship of Aphids to the Transmission of Yellow Dwarf of Onions1

Abstract

Yellow dwarf, an insect-borne virus disease of the cultivated onion, is discussed. Acquisition and dissemination from diseased to healthy onions are inseparably linked with insect vectors. Over 50 different species of aphids have served as carriers in the experimental tests. So far as known the virus passes winter only in dormant bulbs (diseased bulbs in field, and storehouse), which serve as source of inoculum at beginning of each season. Control may be accomplished by complete destruction of bulbs left in the field coupled with planting of disease-free sets and mother bulbs grown in non-infested areas, thus breaking the association of vectors and cause of the disease.