Diagnosing downy mildew in cereals
A fungal disease favoured by waterlogged conditions.
What to look for
- Young plants: yellow leaves, severe stunting, excessive tillering
- Mature plants: Thickened, leathery, twisted leaves and twisted, fleshy, distorted heads.
Plant
What else could it be
| Condition | Similarities | Differences |
|---|---|---|
| Diagnosing group I herbicide damage in cereals | Head distortion | Downy mildew is restricted to wet areas |
| Diagnosing seed gall nematode | Head distortion | Seed gall nematode causes seeds to be replaced by small black galls |
Where did it come from?
Wet conditions
- Downy mildew is favoured by waterlogged conditions.
Management strategies
- Treatment not warranted.
See also
Where to go for expert help
Page last updated: Wednesday, 1 July 2015 - 11:28am