downy mildew

Example of Downy mildew (left) along with powdery mildew on a grape leaf

Downy mildew refers to any of several types of oomycete microbes that are obligate parasites of plants. Downy mildews exclusively belong to Peronosporaceae. In commercial agriculture, they are a particular problem for growers of crucifers, grapes and vine-type vegetables.

The prime example is Peronospora farinosa featured in NCBI-Taxonomy and HYP3.

Hop Downy Mildew (caused by Pseudoperonospora humuli) is specific to hops (Humulus lupulus). The disease is the single most devastating disease in Western United States hopyards, since the fungus thrives in moist climates. Infected young hop bines become stunted with thickened clusters of pale curled leaves. These spikes have a silvery upper surface, while the undersides of leaves become blackened with spores. These dwarfed spikes are called "basal spikes". 'Lateral' or 'terminal' spikes occur further up the bine. An entire hop crop could be devastated in only a few days.

Similarly, cucurbit downy mildew (caused by Pseudoperonospora cubensis) is specific to cucurbits (e.g., cantaloupe, cucumber, pumpkin, squash, watermelon and other members of the Cucurbitaceae/gourd family). The disease is one of the most important diseases of cucurbits worldwide.

See also

• Blue mold
• Peronosporaceae (with a list of the downy mildew genera)

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• SAFECROP - Proceedings of the 5th International Workshop on Grapevine Downy and Powdery Mildew