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Common Diseases

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Caption: Lettuce downy mildew

Photo by: R.S. Byther

Common Diseases : Downy mildew

(revision date: 4/30/2013)

Use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for successful plant problem management.

Biology

Downy mildew is a fungal disease of tender green tissues including leaves and shoots. Infected leaves show areas of slightly chlorotic to purplish red to dark brown discoloration on the upper surface. A light gray-brown feltlike growth develops on the undersides of infected leaves. Infected tissues become necrotic, and eventually die. Wet, humid conditions favor disease development. Under favorable conditions, the disease can spread quite rapidly, and the entire plant can droop and die. Many vegetables, ornamentals, flowers, and other plants including grapes and cereal crops are susceptible to downy mildew infections.

Management Options

Non-Chemical Management

Destroy infected plants and debris.

Select non-chemical management options as your first choice!

Chemical Management

IMPORTANT: Visit Home and Garden Fact Sheets for more information on using pesticides

Fungicides may be effective in managing downy mildew in certain situations. However, the fungicide must be registered for the host plant. Contact your county extension agent for additional information.

Images

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Caption: Lettuce downy mildew Photo by: R.S. Byther
Caption: Downy mildew on pansy Photo by: R.S. Byther
Caption: Downy mildew on pansy Photo by: R.S. Byther

WSU Extension

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