First report of Plasmopara halstedii in South Africa
During the 1993-94 maize growing season, Plasmopara halstedii (EU Annex II/A2) has been found for the first time in South Africa in a commercial field near Standerton and in a seed production field near Kroostad. In 1995-96, the disease was found in experimental hybrids near Heilbron, and in commercial fields near Marikana, Heilbron and Potchefstroom. Disease incidence was low, with less than 1 % of plants affected by the disease. The authors noted that as these findings concern several geographic areas within South Africa, the fungus may be already well established in the country.
Sources
Viljoen, A.; wan Wyk, P.S.; Nowell, D.C.; Gulya, T.J. (1997) Occurrence of downy mildew on sunflower in South Africa.
Plant Disease, 81(1), p111.