The book is focused on the most recent and significant advances in research on downy mildews and related oomycete pathogens. The emphasis is on the biology of downy mildews, mechanisms of resistance in host- and non-host parasite interactions, population ecology and epidemiology, chemical control and fungicide resistance. The chapters are written by leading international experts on various aspects of downy mildews. All contributions are either comprehensive critical reviews or original research papers, and cover the most relevant and recent topics related to these biotrophic plant pathogens. The recent Special Issue is a continuation of previous one published by Springer in 2008.

Most recent publication about biology, evolution, genetics and ecology of downy mildews and their interactions with plants

Foreword.- Biology and Evolution.- Phylogenetic investigations in the genus Pseudoperonospora reveal overlooked species and cryptic diversity in the P. cubensis species cluster.- Host matrix has major impact on the morphology of Pseudoperonospora cubensis.- Cucurbit downy mildew (Pseudoperonospora cubensis) - biology, ecology, epidemiology, host-pathogen interaction and control.- Spinach: better management of downy mildew and white rust through genomics.- Advances in sunflower downy mildew research.- Resistance mechanisms and host-parasite interactions.- Histological responses of host and non-host plants to Hyaloperonospora parasitica.- Distribution of race-specific resistance against Bremia lactucae in natural populations of Lactuca serriola.- Site-specific field resistance of grapevine to Plasmopara viticola correlates to altered gene expression and was not modulated by the application of organic amendments.- Influence of nitric oxide and reactive oxygen species on development of lettuce downy mildew in Lactuca spp..- Identification of genes expressed during the compatible interaction of grapevine with Plasmopara viticola through suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH).- Population ecology and control.- Quantitative studies on downy mildew (Peronospora destructor Berk. Casp.) affecting onion seed production in southern Uruguay.- Diversity and fitness of Plasmopara viticola isolates resistant to QoI fungicides.- Evolution of Qol resistance in Plasmopara viticola oospores.- EMS and UV irradiation induce unstable resistance against CAA fungicides in Bremia lactucae.- Influence of dosage, storage time and temperature on efficacy of metalaxyl-treated seed for the control of pearl millet downy mildew.