Effects of Pyrenophora teres on dry matter production and yield components of winter barley

Abstract

Inoculation of winter barley plants in a glasshouse with Pyrenophora teres at three different growth stages (GS 11, 13 or 30) greatly decreased root and shoot dry matter production and the size of healthy leaves produced subsequently, but there was no significant yield loss with a single inoculation at GS 11 or 30. Inoculation at GS 13, GS 31 or GS 39 decreased grain yield by 12,17 and 20% respectively, and also straw yield. Larger yield losses resulted from repeated inoculations on five successive occasions (GS 11, 13, 30, 31 and 39) which caused much disease on all leaves throughout the life of the plant. All components of yield measured were decreased by the cumulative effect of successive inoculations; ear number by 15%), grain sites per ear by 20%, grain yield by 48% and straw yield by 32%.