Cultivar mixtures as part of integrated protection of spring barley

Abstract

Barley powdery mildew is caused by the fungus Blumeria graminis f. sp. Hordei. Monoculture and the use of disease-resistant varieties on large-scale usually lead to the selection of new pathogen races able to overcome the resistance. The use of variety mixtures can significantly improve the control of the disease and provides stable yield among different environments. To assess the effects of the variety mixtures of spring barley on the intensity of powdery mildew infection, we conducted field trials during four growing seasons at two locations contrasting in soil and environmental conditions. The experiments were based on five varieties of spring barley (Basza, Blask, Skarb, Rubinek, Antek) sown in pure stands as well as in their mixtures. No fungicide and insecticides were used, only herbicide protection was implemented. Our studies have shown that in both locations the intensity of the disease was reduced in varieties grown in mixtures when compared to pure stands. This confirms that cultivation of genetically diversified varieties of spring barley in mixtures provides economically and environmentally sustainable tool which allows to control powdery mildew disease.