Downy Mildew of Sunflower (Plasmopara haistedii), a Disease Introduced and Established in India - Status Report in Relation to Quarantine

Downy mildew of sunflower (Helianthus annllus L.) caused by Plasmopara halstedii (Farl.) Berl. and de Toni is potentially a destructive disease. It is distributed almost in all the sunflower growing countries. The disease incidence range from traces to 50%, however, it may exceed up to 95%. In India, downy mildew of sunflower was reported for the first time in 1984 from Latur district of Marathwada region of Maharashtra; it has spread to Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Punjab and Madhya Pradesh. The status of the disease world over, physiological races, host range, epidemiology, detection techniques and management is discussed.