BARLEY GROWERS need to rethink mildew control strategies based on new triazoles or strobilurins this season, experts have advised.

While such programmes may provide good control of diseases like net blotch and eyespot, mildew control is likely to be weak, said Dow AgroSciences‘ Liz Tomkinson.

ADAS‘s plant pathologist Bill Clarke agreed: “Due to the inherent weakness of the new triazole fungicides and strobilurins on mildew, it will be necessary to add a specific treatment for mildew control in barley, particularly in a high disease pressure situation.”

In susceptible spring barley varieties, such as Optic, early mildew control is particularly important to avoid problems with poor rooting, Ms Tomkinson added.

Growers should add Fortress (quinoxyfen) at a rate of 0.15l/ha to the main fungicide at the T1 timing, she suggested.

“In a susceptible winter barley variety, it may be necessary to add a further 0.15l/ha at T2, but Fortress must go on before growth stage 49,” she noted.