Definition

1. Noun:
   • A plant disease: "downy mildew" refers to a type of plant disease caused by certain parasitic fungi, primarily from the family Peronosporaceae.
   • The causative fungus: The term can also refer to the fungus itself that causes this disease, characterized by a downy, fuzzy growth on the undersides of leaves.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The vineyard was severely affected by downy mildew this season.
  • Gardeners must watch for the white, downy mildew on their cucumber plants.

Advanced Usage

• "downy mildew of [plant name]": A common construction specifying the host plant.
  • Downy mildew of grapevine is a major concern for viticulturists worldwide.

Variants and Related Words

• Mildew (n): A broader term for various types of fungal growth on plants or materials.
• Peronosporaceae (n): The scientific family name for many downy mildew-causing fungi.

Synonyms

• Fungal blight: A general term for plant diseases caused by fungi.
• Oomycete infection: A more technical term, as downy mildews are caused by oomycetes, which are fungus-like organisms.

Related Phrases

• Resistant to downy mildew: Describing plant varieties that are not easily infected.

  • This hybrid squash is resistant to downy mildew.

• Downy mildew control: Refers to methods of managing the disease.

  • Effective downy mildew control often involves both cultural practices and fungicides.

Noun

1. any of various fungi of the family Peronosporaceae parasitic on e.g. grapes and potatoes and melons