Hidden risk in barley seeds could affect Queensland growers

Key points

• Queensland researchers have found that barley seeds can carry fungicide-resistant net blotch disease into new crops. Scientists at the University of Southern Queensland found the disease could move from infected seed into seedlings.
• Researchers examined seed from grower fields across the Darling Downs and detected net blotch in most seedlots. Lead researcher Dr Noel Knight said seed is also a disease-management decision for growers.
• Researchers plan to study how widespread the problem is and how often it occurs.