ADAS warns on spring barley ills

1 June 2001



ADAS warns on spring barley ills

By Andrew Blake

WHILE spring barleys may be remarkably disease-free, growers returning to the crop should not be lulled into a false sense of security, warn specialists.

With this years estimated 800,000ha spring-barley crop up 45% on last year, there will be more growers without recent experience.

But growers who are tempted to trimming fungicide use too far are following a risky strategy, says, ADASs John Garstang.

They could be caught out if the weather turns wet and allow rhynchosporium, mildew and other diseases to take their toll, he predicts.

“If they have not grown the crop for 10 or 15 years, they will find varieties have changed,” said Mr Garstang.

“Optic and Chariot, the two most widely sown, are particularly prone to rhynchosporium.”

And many late-drilled crops were sown thickly and emerged well which could lead to dense, mildew-prone stands, he adds. “Growers cant afford to relax.”

Early observation always records spring barley as a clean crop, notes the Arable Research Centres Nick Poole.

“But as a matter of routine the ARC advocates two-spray programmes to its members.”

• Fresh strategy for rhyncho wanted, FWi, 16 February, 2001
• Age can affect disease risk, FWi, 16 February, 2001
  

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