Diseases

Powdery mildew of crape myrtle

Lagerstroemia L.

A fungal disease caused primarily by Erysiphe australiana, which manifests as a white coating on shoots and leaves, leading to deformation and reduced ornamental value.

In the reference 9 varieties crop Crape Myrtle, where this is mentioned in the description.

The primary pathogens of powdery mildew on crape myrtle are the fungi Erysiphe australiana, as well as Pseudoidium yenii, Phyllactinia lagerstroemiae, and Phyllactinia guttata. The infection appears as a white or grayish coating on the surface of leaves, young shoots, and flower buds, causing them to curl, deform, and drop prematurely. Young plants and new vegetative growth are particularly susceptible to infection.

Specific resistance genes in crape myrtle varieties have not been described to date. Breeding for resistance is based on interspecific hybridization methods, where the species Lagerstroemia fauriei serves as the key source of the trait. Modern resistant cultivars are hybrids of Lagerstroemia indica × Lagerstroemia fauriei, combining ornamental properties with the natural resistance of the parent species.

General information about the subject — on the page Powdery mildew.

Sources8

Varieties of Crape Myrtle mentioned in the description

Selection based on the description text, not on official evaluation: these data are absent from registers. For specific variety details, please refer to its profile.