Diseases and pests

Rhynchosporium (Leaf blotch or scald) is a fungal disease that causes large yield losses and a decrease in grain quality. Leaves affected by the disease have diamond-shaped, chlorotic, blue- grey patches. The fungal spores are spread by rain splash, and the disease is prevalent in wet weather conditions. It can be treated or controlled by using a fungicide, which should be sprayed twice during the growing season or by sowing a resistant variety.

Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that affects the leaves of the plant. It can overwinter on volunteer barley or stubble. It forms grey-white patches of fungus on the leaves, and the underside of the leaves turn yellow. It should be treated by spraying a fungicide or by sowing resistant varieties. It causes a loss of yield in the crop as grains are not filled.

Leaf rust is also known as brown rust. It can be identified by the orange-brown circular spores that are found on leaf surfaces. It causes premature death of leaves and a reduction in yield. It can be controlled using a fungicide

Net Blotch is a fungal disease caused by Pyrenophora teres. It is characterized by brown marks in the leaves in a net pattern. The fungus affects the developing tillers and reduces the green leaf area on the plant. Application of fungicides and using resistant varieties can help to control the disease.

Fusarium head blight is caused by the fungus Fusarium. The fungus affects the head of the crop, which introduces mycotoxins into the grain. The grain is then contaminated and is not suitable for human or animal consumption. The fungus favours wet conditions. It can be controlled by spraying fungicide.

Barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV) is a viral disease transmitted by aphids. It is transmitted to the plant when the aphid feeds on it. The leaves turn bright yellow and yield is reduced as a result. Disease can be controlled using an aphicide during the growing season. The aphicide should be applied when the crop is at the three to five leaf stage.

Wireworms are the larvae of the click beetle. They are yellow-orange in colour. The female click beetle lays her eggs near the roots of the plant. When the eggs hatch, the wireworms feed on the seeds, roots and stem. This can reduce yield of the plant and cause lodging in cereals. To reduce the threat of wireworm infestation, barley should not be grown after grass in rotation.

Leatherjackets are the larvae of the crane fly. They cause damage by eating the roots and underground stems of the plant. Crops at early emergence are most at risk. They can be controlled by spraying the crop with a pesticide.