Basal Glume Blotch (bacterium - Pseudomonas atrofaciens): Basal glume blotch on barley is caused by a bacterium. It is caused by the same bacterium that occurs commonly on wheat. The symptom of basal glume blotch is dull brownish-black, discolored area found at the base of each glume covering the kernel. The discoloration is more pronounced on the inside than on the outside of the diseased glume. The base of a diseased kernel shows a discoloration varying from faint brown to charcoal black with the color depending upon the severity of the attack. Leaves affected by this disease organism show small, dark, water-soaked spots. These spots tend to enlarge and turn yellow and finally brown as the tissue dies. The use of clean and treated seed will reduce the severity of this disease.
