Covered smut (barley)

Covered smut of barley is a fungal disease that affects barley crops. It is caused by the fungus Ustilago hordei. This disease is characterized by the presence of dark, powdery masses of spores that replace the kernels of the barley plant.

Symptoms

The primary symptom of covered smut is the replacement of the barley kernels with dark, sooty spore masses. These spore masses are covered by a thin, grayish membrane that eventually ruptures, releasing the spores. Infected plants may also exhibit stunted growth and reduced yield.

Life Cycle

The life cycle of Ustilago hordei begins with the germination of teliospores, which produce basidiospores. These basidiospores infect the barley seedlings, leading to systemic infection. The fungus grows within the plant and eventually produces smut sori in the developing kernels. The spores are then released to infect new plants.

Epidemiology

Covered smut is primarily spread through infected seed. The spores can survive in the soil and on seed surfaces, making seed treatment an important control measure. The disease is favored by cool, moist conditions during the early stages of barley growth.

Control and Management

Effective control of covered smut involves the use of disease-resistant varieties, seed treatment with fungicides, and crop rotation. Seed treatment is particularly important as it can prevent the initial infection of seedlings. Crop rotation helps to reduce the inoculum in the soil.

Economic Impact

Covered smut can cause significant yield losses in barley crops. The presence of smut sori reduces the quality and marketability of the grain. In severe cases, entire fields can be affected, leading to substantial economic losses for farmers.

See Also

• Barley
• Fungal diseases of plants
• Plant pathology
• Crop rotation
• Fungicide