Barley Yellow Dwarf in West Asia and North Africa

Abstract

In recent years. widespread infections of cereals with barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV) in North Africa have attracted some attention among research and extension workers. As work on cereal virus diseases in the region is fairly limited. the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA). in collaboration with Agriculture Canada and Laval University and with the full support of the International Development Research Centre (IDRC). organized a workshop on BYDV in Rabat. Morocco. in November 1989 to bring together scientists from the West Asia and North Africa (WANA) region with those from other institutions worldwide. The main objective of the workshop was to discuss the latest research developments and how to make use of them in formulating future research on BYDV in the WANA region in general and in North Africa in particular. where BYDV is causing serious losses in cereal crops. Future collaboration between ICARDA. Agriculture Canada. Laval University. Chile and scientists of the national programs in North African countries were also discussed at the workshop. The contributions of all scientists who presented their findings at the workshop are included in this volume. Collectively, the papers provide ample coverage of BYDV and the promising approaches that should be considered in efforts to limit the spread of the virus and minimize the losses it causes. ICARDA greatly appreciates the assistance given by the IDRC in sponsoring the workshop and financing this publication. The proceedings represent a valuable contribution to the knowledge about BYDV in the WANA region and are indicative of the regional and International cooperation targeted towards solving a problem of economic importance to several countries of the region served by ICARDA.