Head Disease Management
in Small Grains

Introduction

Fungicide seed treatments, properly applied, are highly recommended and can be considered inexpensive stand establishment insurance. Seed treatments minimize losses from seed decay, seedling blights, and seed- and soil-borne diseases. Slurry applications or commercial liquid applications provide the best adhesion and most uniform coverage and, thus, provide the most effective control. Recent problems with loose smut control have been attributed to poor fungicide coverage and higher levels of smut in seed that is treated. Hopper box treatments have not been providing the necessary coverage to ensure control.

Common bunt or stinking smut (Tilletia caries)

Biological Description Control Recommendations

Common root rot complex (Helminthosporium sativum ) and Fusarium spp.

Biological Description Control Recommendations

Loose smut (Ustilago tritici)

Biological DescriptionManagement Practices Pesticides

Wheat scab(Fusarium graminearum )

Biological Description Management Practices Pesticides

Barley loose smut (Ustilago nuda)

Biological Description Management PracticesPesticides

Barley covered smut (Ustilago hordei)

Biological DescriptionManagement PracticesPesticides

Oats loose smut (Ustilago avenae)

Biological Description Control Recommendations

Oats covered smut (Ustilago kolleri)

Biological Description Control Recommendations

Head Disease Management in Small Grains

Introduction

Head Disease Management
in Small Grains