On 4th July 2022, samples of organically grown winter wheat (Triticum aestivum cv. Edvins), showing symptoms of possible virus infection were collected in Nõmavere, Jõgeva county, Estonia. The symptoms included chlorotic mottling, stunting of the plants and a reduction in head size. Diseased plants were seen around the edge of the field. The field has been grassland for the previous three years.
CfMV typically produces mosaic/mottling and stunting symptoms on orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata) and wheat that turn white or necrotic as the leaves age (Serjeant, 1967). CfMV has been described to commonly cause necrotic leaf tips in orchardgrass, and heavily symptomatic plants are killed by the infection (Rognli et al., 1995; Catherall et al., 1977). There are some reports that infection of wheat seedlings will eventually lead to whole plant necrosis (Serjeant, 1967; Catherall et al., 1977). Symptoms in oats and barley are milder than in orchardgrass or wheat, with mild mottling that develops into necrotic lesions (Serjeant, 1967). Symptoms can take 2-3 weeks after inoculation to appear.