Managing spot form of net-blotch in barley – Grafton 2018

Abstract

Key findings •Spot form of net-blotch in barley is a significant barley disease, causing up to 23% yield loss in susceptible (S) – very susceptible (VS) varieties under favourable conditions. •Early fungicide management using either the seed treatment Systiva® or a foliar application of Tilt® at GS31, reduced yield loss from SFNB from 23% to 13%. •A two-fungicide input strategy involving the additional fungicide spray at GS39 was required to prevent the final 10% of yield loss. •A return on investment of up to $156 was achieved with some two-fungicide strategies, where an earlier fungicide input followed by a foliar application at GS39, were applied. •Effects on yield and using fungicides would be lower in varieties with improved levels of resistance to SFNB, or in environments or seasons less conducive to disease development.