There are two main types of strains of WDV, which can be distinguished by their host preference for either wheat (Triticum aestivum) or barley (Hordeum vulgare).

WDV is transmitted by leafhoppers, which suck phloem sap from the vegetative sections of wheat with their mouthparts, passing on the virus.

Therefore, diseases including those caused by WDV have been detrimental occurrences in the past century in several European countries.

The recent causes of increased prevalence of wheat dwarf have been found to be a result of changing agricultural practices that have been favorable for the disease.

[4] Management and control of wheat dwarf focuses mainly on targeting the vector, leafhopper Psammotettix alienus.

These insecticides can be used in the fall when winter wheat and barley begin to emerge because primary infection occurs via adults feeding at this time.