Assessing Risk of Fusarium Head Blight in Barley
Fusarium head blight (FHB) is a disease that must be managed before symptoms are visible.
Conditions vary considerably across the province – growers in areas that have had rain are more at risk for FHB.
Precipitation, humidity and warm temperatures create the optimal environmental conditions for the development of fusarium head blight.
Barley growers can make use of risk forecasting tools like Sask Wheat’s FHB Risk Map. The map is designed for wheat, but similar risk can be expected for barley. It’s still a useful tool for barley growers. Spotty showers may not be reflected in the FHB Risk Map, so be aware of localized conditions. The FHB Risk Map can be complemented with walking the fields as barley approaches heading. If your legs are wet after walking through it, that’s an indicator for FHB risk.
The risk maps are one tool that farmers have to assess risk, to guide decision making for FHB management. SaskBarley’s BarleyBin podcast with Kelly Turkington, Scourge of Barley Quality and Yield: Managing Fusarium Head Blight provides a comprehensive overview of FHB management, including spray timing.
Check out these resources, and continue to watch the FHB Risk Map as your barley approaches heading.