Basil Tree, a New Host of Downy Mildew Pathogen Peronospora belbahrii

Abstract

Basil (Ocimum spp.) is a popular herb grown worldwide. During the past fifteen years, a downy mildew pathogen has caused considerable damage to basil cultivations. In August 2017, downy mildew disease symptoms were found on Basil Tree (or long foot Basil Tree), which was developed by the grafting of two basil varieties and is a continuous harvest plant with a woody trunk. The present study reports the occurrence of downy mildew disease in basil Tree and identifies the causal pathogen, as Peronospora belbahrii.