Scald

The scald fungus overwinters on barley residue, grain and grasses.  In the spring, spores are produced mainly from barley residue left on the soil surface from the previous year.  The spores produced on infected leaves are transported to other barley plants by rain drops and wind.

Levels of infection are usually most severe just before and during heading.  The disease is favoured by cool (12-14 degree), humid weather and dense crop canopies where leaves remain wet for prolonged periods.

Yield losses can be significant.

Scouting:

Look for large water soaked, grey-green spots appearing on the leaves, which rapidly dry out and become bleached with brown margins.  Spots often join and kill the entire leaf.