Early planting, drilling rows north and south for maximum shading and using higher seeding rates may reduce the damage. In wet weather, developing seeds in the head are infected by Helminthosporium or Alternaria , resulting in shriveled blackened kernels. The blackened area is often near the embryo or germ end, hence the name black point. The crease also may be blackened. Planting of black-pointed kernels may result in seedling blight.
Seedlings turn yellow, roots are blackened and plants die or are stunted.
Survival and Spread. Survives in soil, crop refuse, and on and in black-pointed seed. Spread by wind and splashing rain. Other Crops Affected. Barley and grasses.