Dark brown spotting of winter barley in the conditions of the Western Forest Steppe

Abstract

Goal. To identify varieties of winter barley with high resistance to the causative agent of dark brown spotting in the conditions of the Western Forest Steppe. Methods. Field — to assess the dyna­mics of disease development on winter barley varieties; laboratory — to identify the causative agent of dark brown spotting of winter barley; analytical and mathematical-statistical — to calculate the development of the disease. Results. It was established that, in general, the degree of damage to winter barley by dark brown spotting depended on the phase of crop development, but it was the highest in the phase of milk ripeness. During the years of research (2021–2023), the intensity of development of dark brown spotting, depending on the variety, was 0.5–17.5%. The Zbruch variety was affected the most (1.5–17.5%), the Snihova Koroleva somewhat less (1.0–15.0%), and the Darii variety (0.5–11.5%) had the highest resistance. Under favorable conditions for the development of the causative agent of dark brown spotting, Dostoinyi and Valkyria varieties also had a lower degree of damage. Conclusions. The investigated varieties of winter barley were characterized by different degrees of resistance to dark brown spotting. In the phases of tillering and emergence into the tube, the development of the disease was moderate. The most intensive development of dark brown spotting was observed in the second half of the growing season in the phase of milk ripeness. During the three years of research, the Dostoinyi, Valkyria, and Darii varieties were selected. They will be recommended for the creation of winter barley varieties with high resistance to dark brown spotting.