2021 barley disease survey in Alberta

In 2021, 71 random commercial barley crops were surveyed for disease levels in Alberta. Disease assessments were typically done using two approaches, the first based on a 0-9 rating scale where 0 was no disease development in the lower, middle and upper canopy, and 9 was >50% leaf area diseased. The second approach for leaf spots involved rating penultimate leaf samples for percentage leaf area diseased. Ratings for other diseases were based on incidence and/or presence or absence, especially where only trace levels were found. Overall, leaf disease levels were much lower than in previous years due to the hot, dry growing conditions across the province. No stripe rust was observed in 2021, while loose smut was only noted in 15 fields, and suspected bacterial leaf streak was observed in one field.