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Covered smut of barley

Ustilago hordei

Profile

Barley hard blight is a fungal disease that exclusively affects barley plants. The spore deposits on the ear are covered by a dull, silver-gray membrane and harden until harvest.

Damage symptoms

The spore deposits on the ear are covered for a long time by a dull, silver-gray membrane. The spore deposits harden until harvest and are not or only incompletely dusted out. The awns are often deformed, but often remain intact.

The symptoms of barley hard blight are similar to those of barley fly blight.

Nahaufnahme einer befallenen Ähre. Deutliche, dunkle Sporenlager sichtbar
Eine mit Gerstenhartbrand befallene Ähre
Befallenen Ähre mit dunklen Sporenlagern in einem Gerstenfeld
Eine mit Gerstenhartbrand befallene Ähre in einem abgetrockneten Gerstenbestand

Host plants

The causal agent of barley hard blight attacks only barley plants.

Distribution

Barley hard blight can occur in all growing regions.

Propagation and transmission

The fungus is spread to healthy soils by using infected seeds. Infection of the seedling occurs through spores on the seed. However, in addition to seed-borne infection, transmission from the soil is also possible.

Economic importance

Yield losses are to be expected in case of severe infestation with barley hard blight.

Prevention and control

  • Use of tested and healthy seed is recommended
  • Seed dressing against the pathogen Ustilago hordei is possible
  • Keeping wide crop rotations are recommended

Services

Plant Health Services

Last updated: 13.03.2024

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