Media release no.
Despite drought and low impact from barley leaf diseases in 2000, disease management remains a focus for optimal barley production in the 2001 crop. Agriculture Western Australia plant pathologist Kith Jayasena said some common sense management would lower the possibility of these diseases in 2001. A well implemented disease management program can reduce disease risks. But in high rainfall areas under maximum production situations, supplementing seed dressing with foliar fungicide or using in-furrow fungicides to extend early crop protection can be more effective. By monitoring crops closely throughout the growing season, growers will be able to identify diseases early to get the best chance of control.