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Barley Stem Rust
Development of stem rust on the barley crop depends on several factors, including; how
extensively the fungus overwinters in the Southern plains, environmental conditions that
favor buildup of spores that could be carried north by prevailing winds, and planting time
of the barley crop in this area.
A late-maturing crop is more likely to be damaged by stem rust because the grain has not
yet filled at the time the rust spores generally arrive. Planting early is the most
effective preventative measure to avoid major yield and quality losses from stem rust. The
earlier the field is planted, the better the chance of avoiding heavy levels of infection
on stems and heads.
Barley producers should also avoid high levels of nitrogen fertilizer to lessen lodging
problems. Lodged grain is a more favorable environment for stem rust infection. If
producers are looking at a potentially very good barley yield, and rust is seen in the
area or is predicted to be severe, a fungicide application may improve yield and quality.
Propiconazole, Azoxystrobin, Pyraclostrobin and various combinations are fungicides registered for rust control on barley.
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