An analysis of rain‐mediated dispersal of Drechslera teres conidia in field plots of spring barley

In two separate trials rain‐mediated dispersal of Drechslera teres conidia was observed in field plots of cv. Beatrice spring barley. Within the crop spore number was greater towards the base reflecting both the downward movement of conidia and the greater availability of spores on older leaves. From the edge of the crop half as many conidia were trapped at 100 cm as at 25 cm. In both trials the cumulative spore catch total lagged behind the increase in net blotch infection levels on the top two leaves. The number of spores sampled appeared closely related to rainfall intensity.