Downy Mildew disease

Caused by: Peronosclerospora sorghi
Problem Category: Fungal Disease
Symptoms: Symptoms of all maize downy mildew pathogens are similar although may vary depends on cultivar, age and climate. The disease appear as early from two weeks after sowing resulting in chlorosis and stunting. In older plants the leaves shows mottling, chlorotic streaking and lesions and white striped leaves. Usually the leaves are narrower and more erect when compare to healthy plants and are covered with a white, downy growth on both surfaces.
Comments: The disease is both air and seed born. The pathogen have several alternative hosts.
Management: Grow available resistant varieties and hybrids. Follow crop rotation with non host crops. Use suitable systemic fungicide for both seed treatment and foliar spray. Keep the fields free from weeds. Drying seeds before sowing reduces the disease incidence.
Control: