The causal agent of sorghum downy mildew, Peronosclerospora sorghi, is a pathogen of sorghum species (Sorghum spp.) and corn (Zea mays). The pathogen is disseminated in many tropical and subtropical regions all around the world, causing considerable losses when conditions are favorable for its development or susceptible cultivars are used. Within Brazil it was initially restricted to the Southern region but has now also spread to the Southeast and Middle-West, causing significant losses specifically in areas of seed production. The use of resistant genotypes is the most efficient method to control the disease. Nevertheless, a high genetic variability of the pathogen makes it difficult to use resistant cultivars. This revision considers aspects of taxonomy and biology of sorghum downy mildew and discusses questions related to geographic distribution, epidemiology and control, focusing on strategies that use genetic resistance.
Straminipila; Sclerosporales; oomycete; plant disease control; epidemiology; resistance
