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ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Pullman, Washington » Grain Legume Genetics Physiology Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #235606
Title: Powdery mildew of lentil

Author
item ATTANAYAKE, K.P.R. N - WASHINGTON STATE UNIV
item Chen, Weidong
item GLAWE, DEAN - WASHINGTON STATE UNIV
item Dugan, Frank

Submitted to: Compendium of Chickpea and Lentil Diseases and Pests
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: 10/15/2010
Publication Date: 1/10/2011
Citation: Attanayake, K., Chen, W., Glawe, D., Dugan, F.M. 2011. Powdery mildew of lentil. Compendium of Chickpea and Lentil Diseases and Pests. p. 49-51.

Interpretive Summary: Powdery mildew is a serious disease of lentil on susceptible cultivars in South Asia. Powdery mildew of lentil occurs all over the world wherever lentil is grown and is a persistent disease problem of lentil plants in greenhouses where usually early generations of lentil breeding materials are grown. This chapter describes the distribution, symptoms and pathogens of powdery mildew of lentil. Photographic illustrations are provided and management options are recommended.

Technical Abstract: Several fungal species cause powdery mildew of lentil. Erysiphe pisi is the most commonly reported species on lentil. Leveillula taurica also occurs on lentil. E. trifolii is also a species that recently confirmed to be the pathogen of lentil. Infections by Eryisphe species result in small white spots on leaf surfaces. Lesions expand to cover the entire leaf surfaces and pods. Infection can be especially extensive at flowering, and under heavy infection leaves become chlorotic, then curled and necrotic prior to abscission. The powdery mildew pathogens have broad host ranges and both ascospore and conidia may verse as primary inoculum. Moderate temperatures and shady conditions are generally favorable for powdery mildew growth. The use of cultivars resistant to powdery mildew is currently the most practical method, and in general, small-seeded varieties exhibit more resistance. Fungicide sprays are also available for managing the disease.