PLP Student Seminar Series: Sam Thompson (Miles lab)

April 21, 2025 1:30PM - 2:30PM

PSSB 271 (Conference Room)

Diagnostics and management of Podosphaera species

Powdery mildew fungi (Erysiphales) are highly specialized phytopathogens characterized by their obligate biotrophic lifecycle and distinct symptomology of talcum-like circular colonies. Among the most notable genera of powdery mildews affecting ornamental and fruit crops, the genus Podosphaera is particularly significant for its impact on critical members of the Rosaceae family, including rose, peach, cherry, apple, and strawberry. Powdery mildew of strawberry and apple, caused by the obligate biotrophic fungi Podpshaera aphanis and Podosphaera leucotricha, respectively, pose a significant threat to strawberry and apple production systems. Identification of these powdery mildews was previously based on morphological similarities within the teleomorphic (sexual) and anamorphic (asexual) characteristics and ITS-based molecular diagnostics, which often fail to resolve species-level taxonomy within this group. To address this gap, we developed species-specific qPCR assays targeting the single-copy nuclear gene GAPDH to detect P. aphanis and P. leucotricha in environmental samples. A diverse panel of powdery mildew was collected and sequenced using universal ITS and GAPDH primers. These assays provide enhanced resolution for pathogen identification and contribute to early detection and improved surveillance efforts. Additionally, we evaluated the efficacy of multiple fungicide products on Fragaria x ananassa ‘Annapolis’ strawberry plants under controlled environmental conditions. Preliminary results indicate that fungicides classified under FRAC 3 and U13 effectively reduce P. aphanis infection severity. These findings support a dual approach investigating molecular diagnostics with strategic fungicide application to enhance powdery mildew management in strawberry and apple production systems.

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