DM – Downy Mildew Resistant Peas

DM – Downy Mildew Resistant Peas. Scientific Name: Peronospora farinosa, Peronospora parasitica, Pseudoperonospora cubensis. Type: Fungus. Downy mildew is a fungal disease that affects the growth of beets, broccoli, cantaloupes & melons, cauliflower, cucumbers, peas, spinach, Swiss chard, and watermelons. Downy Mildew is most serious for cucumbers, which can die in a week and stop producing any fruit to harvest. The disease affects both seedlings and mature plants. The infected leaves are retarded in growth, turn yellow, then brown, and turn downward. A white to gray color mold appears on the underside of the leaves. The leaves will wilt and eventually die. The disease can spread rapidly under favorable conditions and infect the entire field. The infected plants should be removed and burned to avoid further infestation. The disease is favorable when temperatures are 58-72°F and usually occurs in early spring and autumn in cooler weather when moisture and humidity are very high. Fungicides can help manage the disease. Good air circulation and increasing space between the plants can help control and prevent the disease, so use wide plant spacing to promote drying of the leaves. The best option is to use disease resistant varieties.