Net Blotch (fungus - Pyrenophora teres): Net blotch of barley is principally a leaf disease. The spots are internal with a characteristic netting. The netted pattern, formed by the arrangement of brown pigment in transverse and longitudinal lines, can best be seen if the leaf is held against the light. The elongated, brown-netted areas finally cover most of the leaf and destroy it usefulness. The fungus causing net blotch may be carried on the seed or infection may come from old straw or stubble. Crop rotation, plowing old straw and stubble, and seed treatment will aid in prevention of this disease. Avoid susceptible varieties (Table 1).
