| Plasmopara obducens | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification 
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| Kingdom: | Chromista |
| Phylum: | Oomycota |
| Order: | Peronosporales |
| Family: | Peronosporaceae |
| Genus: | Plasmopara |
| Species: |
P. obducens
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| Binomial name | |
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Plasmopara obducens (J. Schröt.) J. Schröt., (1886)
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| Synonyms | |
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Plasmopara obducens is a species of oomycete that causes Impatiens downy mildew. It was first described on Impatiens noli-tangere in Germany in 1877. Plasmopara obducens is known from native species of Impatiens since the 1800s, but outbreaks on cultivated varieties of Impatiens walleriana started in 2003 in the United Kingdom and in 2004 in the United States. The outbreak spread worldwide by 2016.
Morphology
Sporangiophores are an average of 373 (260-484) micrometers with the first branch appearing at 197 (120-271) micrometers. Sporangia are 16 (13-18) micrometers by 13 (11-16) micrometers. Resting spores are globose with a diameter of 28 micrometers
Disease symptoms
Initially, leaves are stippled or yellowed. Infected leaves curl downward. A white down is often present on the underside of the leaves; buds and stems may also develop a down. Eventually, the leaves fall off the plant leaving just stems. In about a week, the plants are dead.
Taxonomy
J. Schröter originally placed the species in the genus Peronospora but later moved it to the genus Plasmopara. Some authors believe the outbreaks on I. walleriana and I. balsamina are not caused by P. obducens but two new species P. destructor and P. velutina.
External links
- Disease threatens garden impatiens; Surprising scientists and horticulturalists, once-mild downy mildew disease has struck the popular blooms in 33 states March 20, 2013 Vol.183 #8 Science News