However, this is a small portion of the state acreage, though the area has a high yield potential. Barley yellow streak virus is a recurring problem in some areas. Plants appear gray early on. The vector dissipates after an inch of rain, but plants remain stunted. The virus passes through the eggs of the brown wheat mite.
Symptoms are similar to wheat streak mosaic.
Often, just half of the leaf will show symptoms. The driving factor seems to be continuous barley. In central Montana, there have been many rain events since Memorial Day. Expect to see many foliar diseases that have not been seen in recent years. Have seen many lesions that look like tan spot, many more than normal.