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Downy Mildew of Wheat
Sclerophthora macrospora (Sacc.)Thirumalachar et al.
Downy mildew usually is associated with wheat
plants grown in poorly drained areas.
Plant symptoms produced by downy mildew
vary. Some diseased plants tiller excessively and are
severely dwarfed, with many tillers growing only a few
inches tall. Other plants have thickened leaves that are
yellow striped, fleshy, twisted, curled and stiff. These
plants rarely produce heads, and those heads that are
produced are distorted and abnormally large. The stem
below the affected heads may be thick and deformed.
In bearded varieties, the beards can be distorted and
abnormally long. Diseased heads produce no viable grain.
Proper soil preparation to improve surface drainage
and remove debris will reduce disease incidence.
Rotation with noncereal crops and use of clean seed
provide some control. Other control measures usually
are not warranted.
Authors:
Clayton A. Hollier, Ph.D., Professor
Department of Plant Pathology and Crop Physiology
Guy B. Padgett, Ph.D., Professor
Macon Ridge Research Station
Don Groth, Ph.D., Professor
Rice Research Station
Figure 1.Typical downy mildew symptoms
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Louisiana State University Agricultural Center
William B. Richardson, Chancellor
Louisiana Agricultural Experiment Station
John S. Russin,Vice Chancellor and Director
Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service
Paul D. Coreil,Vice Chancellor and Director
Pub. 3250
(online only)
1/13
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