Skip to main content
ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Pullman, Washington » Grain Legume Genetics Physiology Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #372874
Research Project: Improving Genetic Resources and Disease Management for Cool Season Food Legumes

Location: Grain Legume Genetics Physiology Research

Title: Powdery Mildew

Author
item ATTANAYAKE, RENUKA - University Of Kelaniya
item WUNSCH, MIKE - North Dakota State University
item Chen, Weidong

Submitted to: American Phytopathological Society Press
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: 4/20/2020
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: Powdery mildew is a serious foliar disease of pea. Several Erysiphe spp, particularly E. pisi and E. trifoliorum, cause powdery mildew on pea, as well as on many other legume plants. The pathogens survive on plant debris or on alternative hosts. This chapter describes the distribution, symptoms and pathogens of pea powdery mildew, with photographic illustrations to aid disease diagnosis and options for disease management.

Technical Abstract: Powdery mildew is a serious foliar disease on most leguminous hosts, including peas, worldwide. Powdery mildew of pea is caused by a number of pathogens of Erysiphe spp., most commonly E. pisi and E. trifoliorum, and also E. baeumleri. Both E. pisi and E. trifoliorum can overwinter on plant debris or survive on alternative hosts. Many other legume plants are known hosts of the pathogens. The disease initially develops as patches of white fungal growth on the surface of lower leaves and quickly spreads to cover the entire plant. The disease spreads rapidly under cool (15-25 ºC) and humid (90% RH) conditions. Planting resistant varieties is one of the most effective means of controlling the disease. Three genes, er1, er2, and the recently discovered Er3, confer resistance to powdery mildew in pea.