Epidemiology and control of spot form of net blotch (Pyrenophora teres f. maculata) of barley: a review

Spot form of net blotch (SFNB), caused by the fungus Pyrenophora teres f. maculata, was first described in Denmark in the 1960s and is now a prevalent foliar disease of barley in many countries. This disease should be controlled as a separate disease-causing organism from the net form of net blotch (NFNB), which is caused by P. teres f. teres. The increase in prevalence of SFNB is primarily due to stubble retention and cultivation of susceptible varieties, which have resulted in increased inoculum. Infected barley stubble is the primary inoculum source for SFNB, producing both asexual spores (conidia) and sexual spores (ascospores) from pseudothecia. Spot form of net blotch causes significant losses in grain yield and quality in situations where inoculum is present, susceptible varieties are cultivated, and where the climate is cool and moist. Cultivation of resistant varieties is the most cost-effective method for control of SFNB and more than 12 different resistance sources have been identified in barley germplasm and wild barley relatives. The resistance loci of 11 of these have been mapped. Control of SFNB can also be achieved with application of foliar fungicides, crop rotation, and stubble destruction.