Barley yellow dwarf virus resistance in cereals: Approaches, strategies and prospects

The Barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV) complex, belonging to the Luteovirus genus, is one of the most economically harmful plant viruses. Apart from fighting the aphid vectors by spraying cereal fields with insecticides, the only protection against this virus is to grow resistant cultivars. However, cereal plant resistance to BYDV is rare and complicated, and a considerable amount of work has been performed to date in the development of resistant cultivars and lines, with mixed results. The aim of this article is to describe the current breeding status of plants in terms of BYDV resistance, including transgenic resistance and resistance to aphid vectors. The goal is to discuss the possible advantages and drawbacks of individual approaches and to suggest future developments.