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Check Spring Barley Seed For Disease

If you are home-saving spring barley seed, now is the time to test seed for germination and seed-borne diseases.

You need to check for germination at the very least.

Key seedborne diseases include net blotch, loose smut and leaf stripe.  All three can be effectively controlled with seed treatments. Note that not all will control loose smut. 

There are standards for certified seed for both loose smut and leaf stripe. 

If you save seed, be aware these diseases can develop rapidly from very low levels to severe levels in two generations. 

If you intend to save seed, please make sure you use an effective seed treatment to slow down this build up.