Downy Mildew Disease of Crucifers: Biology, Ecology and Disease Management

 Dr. G. S. Saharan PhD, educationalist and plant pathologist, has contributed to diverse areas of plant pathology, including the standardization of artificial inoculation techniques, identification of resistance sources, pathogenic variability, genetics of host-parasite interaction, epidemiology, and management of several diseases. He has authored 250 publications in peer-reviewed journals and 6 books. Professor Saharan has been a Visiting Professor at the University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada (1991 and 1994), Saskatoon Research Station, Canada (1991, 1994 and 1997), and Rothamsted Research, UK (1994 and 1997). His contributions have been recognized with the Y. L. Nene, Outstanding Plant Pathology Teacher Award (2015) by the Indian Society of Mycology and Plant Pathology, Udaipur, India. He also received the Life Time Achievement Award (2017) for his outstanding research leadership and expertise in Oilseed Brassica Research by the Society for Rapeseed-Mustard Research, Bharatpur, India. Dr. Naresh Mehta PhD, Associate Dean, Professor (Plant Pathology), educationalist and plant pathologist, has contributed to diverse areas of plant pathology, including pathogenic variability, genetics of host/pathogen interaction, epidemiological studies, identification of resistant sources, biochemical/genetic basis for resistance, residual analysis of fungicides and disease management. He has published more than 100 research papers in peer reviewed journals, 3 books, 10 manuals, 10 review articles and 20 book chapters. Professor Mehta is a Fellow of all three prominent Plant Pathological Societies in India, councilor (North Zone), ISMPP, Editor-in-Chief, ISMPP and member of the Editorial board of INSOOP and Indian Phytopathological Society (IPS), New Delhi, India. He has been a visiting researcher at the University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada and invited to deliver a lecture at the 9th International Congress of Plant Pathology in Torino, Italy.  Dr. P. D. Meena PhD is presently working as a Principal Scientist (Plant Pathology) at ICAR-Directorate of Rapeseed-Mustard Research, Bharatpur (Rajasthan), India. He has made important contributions to diverse areas of plant pathology, including resistance, epidemiology, forecasting, and biocontrol for the management of rapeseed-mustard diseases. He has published 60 research papers, 2 books and 4 bulletins. He is a Fellow of the ISMPP, PPAI and ISOR, and has been honored with the Dr PR Kumar Outstanding Brassica Scientist Award (2011) by the SRMR, and with the DRMR Best Scientist Award for 2012–2013.

- Introduction.- The Disease- Downy Mildew.- The Pathogen- Hyaloperonospora parasitica(Gaum.) Goker [H. brassicae (Gaum.) Goker].- Electron Microscopy, and Ultra Structures.- Physiologic Specialization (Pathogenic variability).- Perpetuation, and Survival.- Infection, and Pathogenesis.- Disease Cycle.- Epidemiology, and Forecasting.- Association or Mixed Infection or Downy Mildew, and White Rust Disease Complex.- Biochemistry of the Host Pathogen Interaction .- Host Resistance.- Disease Management.- Techniques.- Future Strategies, and Priorities of Downy Mildew Disease Management.