Article titled (Powdery Mildew and Its Impact on Food Security and Agricultural Planning)
2025-06-02
Article titled (Powdery Mildew and Its Impact on Food Security and Agricultural Planning)
Saja Walid Ashour
Plant Disease Prevention Specialist
Desert Studies Center - Department of Conservation Agriculture
Several species of fungi cause powdery mildew, the most common of which are Erysiphe spp. and Podosphaera spp. Powdery mildew is one of the most prominent fungal diseases affecting many crops, posing a significant threat to food production and quality, which in turn impacts global food security. The disease is widespread in many agricultural environments, especially in warm and humid regions, and affects a large number of plants such as grapes, tomatoes, cucumbers, cucurbits, and some fruit trees. Its symptoms appear as white, powdery spots covering the leaves, stems, and sometimes the fruits. The danger of this disease lies in its rapid spread and ease of wind transmission, leading to significant economic losses for farmers due to a decline in both the quantity and quality of the crop.
Powdery mildew reduces the efficiency of plant photosynthesis, leading to poor growth and reduced productivity. Crops sensitive to this disease are more susceptible to rapid deterioration, necessitating urgent intervention with pesticides or integrated pest management techniques. The damage is not limited to the quantity of production but also extends to the quality of the product, which may hinder its local marketing or export.
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3. FAO. (2021). Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Guidelines. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.
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5. EPPO (European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organization). (2020). PM7/32 (3) Powdery Mildew. https://www.eppo.int
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