Two new races of the downy mildew pathogen in spinach have been identified by the International Working Group on Peronospora in spinach. While neither are in Canada yet, both races are thought to pose a significant threat to the spinach industry worldwide.
The two new races of Peronospora effusa, named Pe:18 and Pe:19, have predominantly been found in Europe and the United States, respectively. Both affect a wide range of differentials, so far only matched by Pe:17. A chart identifying which differentials Pe:18 and Pe:19 can infect is available here.
Variety resistance to spinach downy mildew is one of the most important variety selection criteria, according to Syngenta UK leafy salad specialist, Rosemary Atwood. The addition of two new races makes resistance breeding efforts even more important. |READ MORE
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