Barley stunt, caused by the soil borne pathogen Rhizoctinia solani, is an occasional disease of winter barley and erratic in appearance. However, this year it is more prevalent probably as a result of the dry winter and early spring. Prolonged exposure to dry soil, deep seeding and short crop rotations encourage infection. It is associated with lighter soils and is worse in crops that have been established using reduced or minimum tillage. Ploughing will suppress the spread and development of the fungus probably by breaking up the hyphal network. Rhizoctinia solani will infect wheat but it is most obvious in barley, it is more severe in spring barley.

The pathogen has the ability to grow long distances saprophtically hence its capacity to form large patches in fields. The pathogen has a wide range of hosts and is normally associated with "damping off" diseases. In the United States barley stunt is attributed to Rhizoctinia anastomosis group AG-8 whilst strains in Scotland are thought to be from anastomosis group 3.

Below are a series of photographs of an infected crop in the West Midlands this spring and typical symptoms to help in diagnosis of this problem on your own farm. Thanks to Dr Paul Beales of the Plant Clinic at the Food and Environment Research Agency for his help with the diagnosis.