First Report of Powdery Mildew Caused by Leveillula taurica of Field-Grown Sweet Pepper in the Pacific Northwest

In August 2009, a grower reported a disease affecting nearly all plants in a drip-irrigated field of sweet pepper cv. Excalibur in Umatilla Co., OR. The fungus was determined to be Leveillula taurica (Lév.) G. Arnaud, previously unreported from this host in Oregon or from field-grown peppers in the Pacific Northwest. This report documents the taxonomic determination of this species and provides information about the disease outbreak, including economic impact. Accepted for publication 18 May 2010. Published 8 July 2010.