PLANT pathologists from Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) believe that the recent heavy rain could greatly increase the risk of fungal disease in next year’s spring barley.

The condition, which is also referred to as head or ear blight, can result in lower rates of seed germination and reduced yields.

They are now asking farmers from across Scotland to send in sample ears for testing and to be wary of planting saved seeds for next year’s crop.

Dr Neil Havis, SRUC plant pathologist, said: “All our trial sites have reported high levels of fusarium on the ears this year. We have been observing the crop developing in our sites in Fife, East Lothian and Lanark and have seen many areas affected by the fungus.

“Last time we had such a wet summer back in 2012 we ran an ear blight survey and found nearly half the seeds infected with different strains of fungus.”

The condition is often more of a threat when there is heavy rain late in the season, especially if it rains when the barley is flowering.

Dr Havis added: “July is when most barley in Scotland is likely to bloom which is worrying as met office figures have shown this July to be one of the wettest in recent years.

“I would strongly advise all farmers to get their seeds treated before they sow them.”

Market round-up

United auctions sold 418 store heifers at Stirling on Wednesday to a top of 271.9p per kg and an average of 222.9p (+2.3p on the week), while 807 store, beef-bred bullocks peaked at 294.8p and levelled at 225.7p (+2.5p). One-hundred-and-fifteen store, B&W bullocks sold to 184p and averaged 146.4p.

In the rough ring 165 cows averaged 118p.

Messrs Craig Wilson Ltd sold 1510 prime lambs in Newton Stewart on Wednesday to a top of £85 per head and 175p per kg to average 154p (+12p).

There were also 354 cast sheep forward when ewes sold to £114 for Texels and £61.50 for Blackfaces.

The Cumberland and Dumfriesshire Farmers Mart had 12 prime cattle forward in Dumfries on Wednesday when heifers sold to 221.5p and averaged 206p, while bullocks peaked at 223.5p and levelled at 219.2p.

There were 84 OTM cattle presented in the rough ring when beef cows averaged 123.4p and dairy cows levelled at 87.4p.

The firm also sold 1546 prime lambs to a top of £80.50 and 192p to average 160.6p (+12.1p).

The 582 cast sheep forward saw heavy ewes sell to £77.50 for Texels and average £57.17 (-£6.18), while light ewes peaked at £55.50 for Blackfaces and levelled at £41.85 (-£4.89).