Spring Barley Disease risk – June 2020

The table below shows the growth and disease observations in SRUC’s monitored crops.  This data is generated in commercial crops in your area so is indicative of the disease pressure and growth stages on farms at the moment.

Spring Barley	Average	Maximum	Minimum
Crop Growth Stage	35.4	49	23
Mildew	3	3	0
Ramularia/Abiotic spotting	1	1	0
Rhynchosporium	1.25	2	0

Data courtesy of SRUC's monitored crop projects.

Diseases

Disease levels remain low and crops have leapt through the growth stages and are now commonly at flag leaf emerging or upwards. Without chlorothalonil the ramularia risk is harder to manage but dry conditions during stem extension will have reduced to some extent the levels of ramularia that have reached the upper leaves. Risk now will depend on crop stress and how badly that triggers symptoms. The rain may actually be helpful now, but bursts of sunshine will add to crop stress. Managing diseases in addition to ramularia remains important as these are additional stress burdens to the crop.

The risk now will depend on crop stress and how badly that triggers symptoms.  The rain may actually be helpful now, but bursts of sunshine will add to crop stress.  Managing diseases in addition to ramularia remains important as these are additional stress burdens to the crop.

Site specific advice regarding pesticide treatments should be sought from your local agricultural advisor or agronomist.