Effect of scald (Rhynchosporium secalis (Oud.) J. Davis) infection on some quality characteristics of barley

Abstract

The effect of scald (Rhynchosporium secalis (Oud.) J. Davis) infection on 1000-grain weight, percentage of plump grains, test weight, grain brightness and protein content of barley cultivars was examined in 6 field experiments. Thousand-grain weight was most adversely affected by scald, showing reductions ranging from 4 to 19% due to scald infection. Percentage of the plump grains was reduced by 3 to 30% depending upon the variety. Percentage protein was also reduced in 2 instances but test weight was not affected. In 2 experiments, grain brightness was greater in the nil fungicide plots than plots treated with fungicide. Reductions in quality characteristics were generally associated with grain yield losses. Implications in relation to quality receival standards are discussed.