Downy Mildew Wars: A monitoring program can help growers determine if the basil downy mildew pathogen is present in their area

摘要

DOWNY mildew of basil is a new, destructive disease that appears to be here to stay. It was first reported in south Florida in October 2007. Growers generally did not realize their basil had a disease because the most noticeable symptom on affected plants was yellowing, which resembles a nutritional deficiency. The downy-appearing sporulation of the pathogen only develops on lower leaf surfaces. And, since downy mildew of basil is so new in the U.S., few knew about it. Complete crop loss occurred forsome growers because leaves with any injury are unmarketable.