Evaluation of experimental hybrids for powdery mildew tolerance in sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.)

Powdery mildew caused by Golovinomyces cichoracearum (DC.) V.P. Heluta (formerly Erysiphe cichoracearum) is a common foliar disease on senescing leaves of cultivated sunflower in warmer regions of the world. In India, the powdery mildew disease is becoming major constraint in cultivation of sunflower crop especially during post rainy season. Screening of the sunflower germplasm lines against the disease would be of a great help to identify the resistance source.