Powdery mildew is one of the world\u27s most significant barley diseases. In Australia, and more particularly Western Australia, its importance has been under-rated, and only recently has interest in this disease emerged.
Powdery mildew was widespread throughout Western Australia\u27s southern cereal growing areas in 1983. Only a prolonged dry period in August and early September of that year prevented possible large-scale crop losses. Similar outbreaks occurred in 1984.
While some barley varieties are resistant to infection, the use of fungicides, particularly seed dressings, can minimise further infection
