Pseudoperonospora cubensis

Downy mildew of Cucurbits

General

Pseudoperonospora cubensis is a plant pathogen causing downy mildew on cucurbit crops like cucumber, cantaloupe, pumpkin, watermelon and squash.

Life cycle and appearance of Downy mildew

Pathogens causing downy mildew are not fungi but Oomycetes and related to Pythium and Phytophthora. They survive as oospores. From these oospores or surviving mycelium sporangia are formed, structures in which zoospores are produced. However, in downy mildews, sporangia often germinate directly and the germ tubes infect the plants either through the stomata or directly by penetrating the cuticula. For germination free water is required. For most downy mildews, the optimum temperature is around 15 oC and the closer the temperature is to this, the shorter the leaf wetness period that is required.

Inside the plant, the pathogens produce haustoria, small organs with which the pathogen can take up nutrients from the living plant cells. The pathogens continue to grow inside the leaves and after a while new spore-bearing structures are protruding from the stomata. Because there are more stomata on the underside of the leaf, this is where most fluffy symptoms are found.

How to prevent Downey mildew

  • Choose resistant cultivars
  • Use a wide crop rotation with non-host crops
  • Prevent a humid microclimate. Achieve this by lowering crop density, good aeration during propagation and maintaining a warm and dry climate in greenhouses.
  • Use hygiene measures. Start clean, remove crop residues and prevent splashing water.

Prevent plant diseases by optimizing plant potential and crop resilience.