What Should I Do About Insects That Attack My Barley?

Do you have problems with aphids, tiny, soft-bodied insects that cause yellow or white-streaked leaves and curled flag leaves?

Do you have problems with armyworms, dark green moth caterpillars that feed on the leaves, sometimes consuming them entirely?

Do you have problems with barley mealybugs, small insects in the appearance of white cottony mass near the base barley stem?

Do you have problems with stinkbugs, shield-shaped, brown, or green insects that give off the unpleasant smell when killed?

Do you have problems with wireworms, yellow-brown, thin worms with shiny skin that cause the death of seedlings, girdled stems, and white heads?

Several species of aphids attack barley. Most notable are Bird cherry-oat aphid, Russian wheat aphid, and Corn leaf aphid. Sturdy plants can be sprayed with a strong jet of water to knock aphids from leaves. Insecticides are generally only required to treat aphids if the infestation is very high - plants generally tolerate low and medium level infestation. Insecticidal soaps or oils such as neem or canola oil are usually the best methods of control.

Western striped armyworm is one of the most notable pests of barley. The adult moth leaves clusters of 50-150 eggs on the leaves. Young larvae are pale green to yellow while older larvae are generally darker green with a dark and light line on the side of their body. Organic methods of controlling armyworms include biological control by natural enemies that parasitize the larvae and the application of BTK spray (Bacillus thuringiensis).

Both nymphs and adults of barley mealybugs suck the sap from leaves and stem resulting in yellowing and browning. Mealybug secrets honeydew which results in sooty mold development. Heavy infestation leads to a reduction in growth. You can control mealybugs by washing them off the plant with water spray. Insecticidal soap should be used with severe infestations.

Stink bugs cause damage to head during milk or soft dough stage. They often carry pathogens in their mouthparts which can cause secondary infections. Remove weeds around crop which may act as overwintering sites for stink bugs. Organically accepted control methods include the use of insecticidal soaps, kaolin clay, and the preservation of natural enemies.

Adults are dark-colored, elongated click beetles. Apply parasitic nematodes to the soil before planting to control soil-dwelling pests. Prevent adults from laying eggs on or near seedbed by covering it with a large piece of row cover after planting. If wireworms are known to be present in the soil fallow field during summer and till frequently to reduce numbers.

All mentioned insects are common insects that attack barley. If none of them is the problem, the first step is the identification of the pest. If you have problems with insects and caterpillars, most problems can be solved with the application of insecticidal soap, neem oil, or BTK (Bacillus thuringiensis), but before you resort to that - identify them and control accordingly.