Diseases

Barley Scald

Hordeum vulgare L.

A fungal disease of barley caused by Rhynchosporium commune. It manifests as characteristic lesions with a light-colored center and a dark border, causing premature leaf drying.

In the reference 393 varieties crop Barley, where this is mentioned in the description.

The causal agent of barley scald is the fungus Rhynchosporium commune (formerly known as Rhynchosporium secalis). The pathogen is highly variable, which contributes to the constant emergence of new, aggressive pathotypes that overcome cultivar resistance.

The disease appears on leaves and leaf sheaths as water-soaked, grayish-blue spots that subsequently take on an oval or irregular shape with a light center and a dark brown or reddish-brown border. With intensive development, the spots coalesce, leading to chlorosis and leaf desiccation, while the net-like pattern characteristic of other blotches is absent.

Genetic resistance of barley to this disease is controlled by specific genes designated with the prefix Rrs (e.g., Rrs9, Rrs4, rrs6, rrs7). The Rrs9 gene maintained high efficacy for a long time; however, due to the high plasticity of the fungus, breeders are forced to constantly search for new resistance donors, including recessive genes.

General information about the subject — on the page Rhynchosporium.

Sources8

Varieties of Barley mentioned in the description

Selection based on the description text, not on official evaluation: these data are absent from registers. For specific variety details, please refer to its profile.