Emphasis in this second volume of Advances in Downy Mildew Research is on the biology of compatible interactions, forecasting and epidemiology, host specialisation, genetic variability amongst pathogen populations, novel methods for detection and systematics, and induced resistance. Two chapters focus on the related oomycete Albugo candida, which shares many pathogenic characteristics with the downy mildews and provides a valuable comparative pathosystem. Contributions on specific downy mildews include Bremia lactucae, Peronospora destructor, Peronospora sparsa, Peronospora viciae, Plasmopara halstedii, Plasmopara viticola, Pseudoperonospora cubensis and Sclerospora graminicola. Review chapters on compatibility, forecasting and systematics consider a broader range of downy mildew fungi, and compare them with other oomycete and biotrophic pathogens. The book is relevant to anyone with an interest in these unique biotrophic pathogens, either in their own right as causes of damaging diseases or as model systems for research on host-pathogen interactions. It should be read by: students, teachers and researchers in academic and research institutes; research and development personnel in the agrochemical industries; agricultural and horticultural advisers, and other extension workers.

Is relevant to anyone with an interest in these unique biotrophic pathogens, either in their own right as causes of damaging diseases or as model systems for research on host-pathogen interactions

Inhalt
The compatible interaction in downy mildew infections.- Forecasting downy mildew diseases.- Cucurbit downy mildew: a unique pathosystem for disease forecasting.- Evaluation of MILIONCAST, a forecaster for onion downy mildew, with historical data.- Use of disease forecasting models for control of onion downy mildew in New Zealand.- Overwintering of rose downy mildew (Peronospora sparsa).- Influence of environmental factors on the disease cycle of white rust, caused by Albugo candida.- Host specialisation of the oomycete Albugo candida.- Temporal and spatial variation in virulence of natural populations of Bremia lactucae occurring on Lactuca serriola.- Downy mildew of pearl millet: present scenario in India.- Genetic and pathogenic variability among isolates of Sclerospora graminicola, the downy mildew pathogen of pearl millet.- Genetic and molecular characterisation of Plasmopara halstedii isolates from Hungary.- Response of wild and weedy Cucurbita L. to pathotypes of Pseudoperonospora cubensis (Berk. & Curt.) Rostov. (cucurbit downy mildew).- Potential and limits for the use of new characters in the systematics of biotrophic oomycetes.- A seedling bioassay to detect the presence of Plasmopara halstedii in soil.- Eicosapentaenoic acid, a possible marker for downy mildew contamination in sunflower seeds.- Isolation of viable Peronospora viciae hyphae from infected Pisum sativum leaves and accumulation of nutrients in vitro.- Benzothiadiazole-induced resistance to Plasmopara halstedii (Farl.) Berl. et de Toni in sunflower.