BMV was first isolated in 1942 from bromegrass (Bromus inermis),[2] had its genomic organization determined by the 1970s, and was completely sequenced with commercially available clones by the 1980s.

[5][6] Many of the positive-strand RNA viruses that belong to the alphavirus family share a high degree of similarity in proteins involved in genomic replication and synthesis.

[9] Understanding how these viruses replicate and targeting key points in their life cycle can help advance antiviral treatments worldwide.

[10] RNA2 (2.9 kb) encodes the 2a protein (94 kDa), the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, responsible for replication of the viral genome.

[citation needed] In 2015, it was found that BMV had coinfected Triticale with Wheat Streak Mosaic Virus.

[citation needed] Environments that are most suitable for this disease are generally damp because viruses are transmitted easier when the plants are wet.

In as study performed in Ohio, they found that the BMV can reduce yield by as much as 61% in soft red winter wheat.

The findings found in the Ohio study suggest that Brome Mosaic Virus might have a greater impact on wheat production than previously thought (Hodge, 2018).