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Barley Loose Smut

Loose smut is a seed-borne disease caused by the fungus Ustilago tritici (U. nuda) in barley. It first appears at ear emergence, as a mass of dark brown spores in place of healthy grains. The spores are released from the fragile membranes encasing them and are dispersed by wind where they land on flowering heads. The spore germinates in the floret; allowing the fungus to spread to the embryo where it survives dormant until the seed is sown. This process then repeats in the following season. Infected seeds are asymptomatic, but infection can be diagnosed through laboratory testing. Loose smut is most prolific in seasons that promote disease conducive environmental conditions at flowering, favoured by rainfall and high humidity.

 

Not only does loose smut reduce grain yields but it can affect grain marketability. As, the maximum tolerance of 0.1 gram of smut per half litre of grain is enforced, as established by the Grain Trade Australia commodity standard.

 

Management:

Overall, barley loose smut should be managed by employing a series of strategies in a management plan, not just one. Thus, management strategies for barley loose smut include:

  • Select a variety with a strong resistance rating to loose smut. The more susceptible a variety is the more likely of infection and the extra “heavy lifting” other management strategies must do for adequate control.
  • Use a systemic fungicide seed treatment. Not only will it provide efficacy on smuts but also other disease that require consideration. A good quality fungicide is important especially when using retained seed. Pay attention to the cleanliness of the seed and ensure to achieve an even and complete treatment of seed. However, clean seed should be sourced following a significant loose smut outbreak.
  • Apply a foliar triazole-based fungicide from ear emergence to anthesis. This has been shown to prevent seed infection occurring. In a study conducted by GRDC on Hindmarsh barley (susceptible variety) in 2018, there was between an 84-87% reduction in embryo infection compared to no foliar fungicide treatment of loose smut. If this method is to be employed, ensure the minimum withholding period of the product is considered to avoid residue violations in grain.
  • Please get in contact with our agronomy team if you have any questions on this topic.

 

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