How to recognize and combat powdery mildew on table beets

Erysiphe betae is an ascomycete fungus that causes powdery mildew in various plants, especially beets. Its structure is a network of white mycelium that grows on the surface of the leaves, stems and other parts of the plant. This pathogen reproduces through asexual spores called conidia, which are dispersed by the wind. Conidia germinate under favorable conditions of humidity and temperature, forming germ tubes that penetrate plant tissues. Additionally, Erysiphe betae forms resistance structures called cleistothecia, which contain sexual ascospores. These cleistothecia allow the fungus to survive in plant remains and in the soil during adverse periods. When conditions are favorable again, the ascospores are released and can initiate new infections.