Efficiently limiting yield loss from net-blotch in barley – a meta-analysis

Abstract

Take home message
• In marginal barley cropping regions where yield targets are below or equal to 3.4 tons per hectare, using foliar fungicides to control net-blotch might not be economically beneficial
• The most effective period for applying foliar fungicide to minimise yield loss is during and immediately after the emergence of the top three leaves (flag leaf, flag leaf -1 and flag leaf -2)
• Two fungicide applications timed between Z35 and Z60 provided the best yield protection
• Efficacy of spray programs to protect yield don’t tend to differ between the two net-blotch forms, SFNB (Spot Form Net Blotch) and NFNB (Net Form Net Blotch)
• Consult the ‘NetBlotchBM’ app when considering a disease management program.