Scald (Rhynochosporium secalis)

oval lesion with grey to tan centre+brown margin

Scald: biology

The fungus causing scald overwinters on crop residue and produces spores which are mainly rain-splash dispersed. Early infections lead to sporulation and further spread during the growing season. Seed transmission can also occur but is usually unimportant. Several strains of the fungus occur.

Conditions favouring good crop growth also favour development of leaf diseases.

Scald: damage description

Scald lesion on barley

Scald lesion on barley

Oval lesion

Oval lesion

Initially water-soaked (oily), greyish to green spots occur on leaves, sheaths and glumes. These expand and show characteristic oval lesions which have a grey to tan centre with a brown margin. Lesions may be surrounded by a yellow zone. Spots can coalesce killing the leaf.

Losses are due to shrivelled seed and reduced seed yield.

Scald: management

Allow at least one year between crops of barley and/or susceptible grasses. Plant resistant varieties. Burying residue may reduce the disease. Foliar-applied fungicides will reduce losses but crops should be monitored closely around flag leaf emergence and sprayed when only small spots are present on uppper leaves. Treated seed provides limited protection against early post-seedling infections of scald.

Recommended solution

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