Barley Pests
The barley plant can be the target of many harmful organisms. These pests can negatively affect barley production and cause yield loss. Here are the main pests of the barley plant:
Barley Ground Beetle ( Zabrus sp.)
Barley Ground Beetle (Zabrus sp.) is a harmful insect species on barley and other cereal plants. These insects damage plants by eating plant roots and can therefore be a problem for farmers, especially in areas where cereal crops are grown.
Symptoms
Adults of barley ground beetles are 1-2 cm long and usually brown or black in color. Their larvae live underground and feed on plant roots. They create wounds on the roots, preventing plants from taking up water and nutrients. Therefore, if there is a large pest population, plant growth weakens and can cause yield loss.
Agent
Insect
Development Conditions of the Pest
Females lay their eggs underground close to plant roots. Eggs are usually laid in summer and undergo an incubation process for several weeks.
Control Method
Since Zabrus produces one generation per year, the density of the pest will be reduced to the lowest level within a few years with the crop rotation to be applied. Therefore, importance should be given to crop rotation, and row crops should be included in the rotation as much as possible. Additionally, deep plowing reduces Zabrus damage. The most effective control against Zabrus is seed treatments. Therefore, in areas infested with the pest, seeds should be sown after being properly treated.
Aphids in Barley (Sitobion avenae)
Symptoms
Yellow or white striped leaves; flag leaves may be curled; plants may be stunted and tillers may lie parallel to the ground; plants may turn a purple color in cold weather; insects are small and soft-bodied and can be yellow, green, black, or pink depending on the species; insects secrete a sugary substance called "honeydew" that promotes the formation of sooty mold on plants.
Agent
Insect
Development Conditions of the Pest
Fields should be periodically checked for aphid populations after emergence.
Control Method
To remove aphids from leaves, a strong jet of water can be sprayed on healthy plants; Insecticides are usually only necessary to treat aphids if the infestation is very high - plants usually tolerate low and moderate levels of infestation; insecticidal soaps or oils such as neem or canola oil are often the best control method; Always check product labels for specific usage guidelines before use; in commercial plantations, aphid numbers are often kept under control by predators and natural enemies; Beneficial insect populations should be evaluated before chemical control is considered; If there is no beneficial insect population and aphids are causing damage, appropriate insecticides are applied.
Barley Mealybug (Trionymus haancheni)
Symptoms
Both nymphs and adults suck sap from leaves and stems, causing yellowing and browning. Heavy infestation leads to reduced growth. The mealybug secretes honeydew, which causes sooty mold formation.
Agent
Insect
Development Conditions of the Pest
The appearance of a white cottony mass near the barley stem is an indication of mealybug infestation.
Control Method
Natural enemies can be encouraged. If the infestation is severe, an appropriate insecticide can be applied.
Stink Bugs in Barley (Euschistus spp.)
Symptoms
Damage to the head during the milk or soft dough stage; stink bugs often carry pathogens that can cause secondary infections in their mouthparts; the adult insect is shield-shaped and brown or green in color; there may be pink, red, or yellow markings; eggs are drum-shaped and laid in clusters on the leaves; Larvae are similar to adults but smaller.
Agent
Insect
Development Conditions of the Pest
Adult insects spend the winter under leaves, on legumes, blackberries, or on some weeds such as mustard or Russian thistle.
Control Method
Clean weeds around the crop that could serve as overwintering sites for stink bugs and practice good weed management throughout the year; Control methods considered organic include the use of insecticidal soaps, kaolin clay, and the protection of natural enemies.
Our article on Barley diseases.
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