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New records of powdery mildew fungi on stone fruits from India

Summary

Researchers in Kashmir have identified three types of powdery mildew fungi that infect peach, plum, and apricot trees. These are new diseases documented in India and Asia for these important fruit crops. Scientists used both traditional microscopy and modern DNA sequencing to identify the fungi, providing farmers with accurate information needed to manage these plant diseases effectively.

Background

Powdery mildew disease is a major fungal constraint affecting stone fruit crops globally. Precise identification of causal fungi is essential for effective disease management. Kashmir valley in India has economically significant temperate fruit production but lacks comprehensive taxonomic studies of powdery mildew fungi.

Objective

To identify and characterize powdery mildew fungi infecting three major stone fruits (peach, plum, and apricot) in Kashmir valley using morphological and molecular approaches. The study aimed to provide new records and establish systematic taxonomy of associated fungi.

Results

Three powdery mildew species from two genera were identified: Podosphaera pannosa on peach, Podosphaera ampla on apricot, and Erysiphe prunastri on plum. P. ampla on apricot is the first record from Asia, while P. pannosa on peach and E. prunastri on plum are first records from India. Molecular characterization confirmed morphological identifications through ITS sequencing and phylogenetic analysis.

Conclusion

This is the first comprehensive morpho-molecular characterization of powdery mildew fungi on stone fruits from temperate India. The study establishes new disease records and provides reliable identification methods combining morphology with molecular data, which is fundamental for implementing effective disease management strategies.
  • Published in:Scientific Reports,
  • Study Type:Observational Study,
  • Source: 10.1038/s41598-025-23119-3, PMID: 41214064
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