Barley is affected by several leaf, spike, and root diseases that have the potential to negatively affect grain yield and quality by reducing stand and grain-fill and by contaminating grain with mycotoxins. Disease management is critical for the production of highmalting-quality barley, and this should begin in the fall in order to prevent early disease establishment and reduce risk.
- Avoid planting highly susceptible varieties.
- Avoid planting barley after corn or wheat, as both crops are hosts for Fusarium.
- Avoid planting barley without tillage after barley or other related grass species. Till and/or rotate with soybean. Several of the leaf and root diseases of barley are caused by pathogens that overwinter in stubble left in the field after harvest.
- Avoid planting barley too early. Rusts, viruses, and leaf blotching disease may become established in earlyplanted barley, getting a head-start in the spring.
- Plant treated seeds. This will reduce stand loss due to seed and seedling diseases, help to control smuts, and prevent early establishment of leaf diseases.
- Control weeds in and around barley fields, as some weed species are hosts for viruses that affect barley and the insect vectors that transmit them.
- Avoid excessive N fertilization and high planting density.