Prevention is the key, particularly in regard to barley loose smut. In this podcast, Andrea Hills, Plant Pathology Research Officer with the Department of Primary Industries & Regional Development (DPIRD) in WA discusses why barley loose smut is becoming more of an issue across the country & outlines the ways to manage it. 

With sowing coming up for many parts of Australia, this is an important reminder that seed treatments are the only effective control for loose smut in your barley crops. Yield losses are proportionate to the percentage of heads affected with barley loose smut, and can have a significant impact on your bottom line if not managed. While many control methods have been trialled, Andrea Hills highlights that seed treatments are key to controlling barley loose smut.

Further information links 

GRDC Communities articles – Barley loose smut                                                                                                             Managing barley loose smut infection                                                                         Cereal seed treatment guides

2019 GRDC Update Paper –  Barley loose smut – Control, variety susceptibility & effects on grain yield

DPIRD Seed Treatment Guide – Seed dressing and in-furrow fungicides for cereals in Western Australia

SARDI Cereal Seed Treatments 2020 – Summary of 2019 season and implications for 2020