Scald is controlled by rotation with nonhost crops such as a forage legume or plowing under infected residue. No cultivar with a high degree of resistance has been found. Net Blotch Net blotch is caused by the fungus Drechslera teres . It can cause disease in barley, rye, and triticale. The net blotch fungus is carried from season to season on infected crop residue and seed.
Resistant varieties offer the best means of control.
Use of pathogen-free seed or seeds treated with a fungicide can prevent the introduction of the pathogen into clean fields. Spot Blotch Spot blotch, caused by Cochliobolus sativus, is a common foliar disease of small grains in Alabama. It is favored by warm, humid weather. Yield losses can be as high as 36 percent. Spots develop on leaves and leaf sheaths at all stages of plant development.