Head blight is recognized by premature bleaching of one or all of the spikelets in the head. The infected spikelets are often sterile. The seed in the spikelet stalk, above the point of infection, may not develop. Diseased heads have small dark spots and exhibit fungal growth with an orange to pinkish tinge. Infected grain is shrivelled and lighter in weight.
Individual kernels are usually whitish in colour.
As warm, moist weather develops, spores that are spread by rain splash and wind infect the florets. Symptoms of Damage Blight symptoms develop within 3 days after infection if environmental conditions are favourable. Infected heads ripen prematurely. If the stem of the seed head is infected, everything above that point will be white. Scouting Techniques Look for a ring of pink or salmon colour at the base of the florets.