Identification of inoculum sources for the newly emerged Peronospora causing downy mildew on aquilegia

Summary

Aquilegia downy mildew is caused by a species of Peronospora which is currently unnamed. The first occurrence of the disease appears to be on a nursery in 2011, with more widespread reports in gardens during 2013. Little or no work has been published on the disease and as a result it is difficult to establish from the literature why the disease has become more prevalent.

In this project, oospores were detected at low levels in aquilegia seed, suggesting that aquilegia downy mildew can be seed borne and that infected seed could be a potential source of the pathogen. It is recommended that as the disease is in circulation, suppliers should check stock plants for symptoms and seed batches for contamination.

Sector:
Horticulture
Project code:
HNS 196
Date:
01 October 2015 - 31 March 2016
Funders:
AHDB Horticulture
AHDB sector cost:
£6,171.00
Project leader:
Dr Philip Jennings, Fera Science Ltd (Fera)

Downloads

HNS 196_Report_Final_2016 HNS 196_GS_Final_2016

About this project

Aims and Objective: 

The project aims to generate data which will enable growers to combat the threat from the newly emerging downy mildew on aquilegia (ADM).

Project objective(s):

1.    To determine whether the Peronospora sp. responsible for ADM is present in seed batches and whether infected seed could act as a primary source of infection.

2.    Dissemination of results.

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