Editing Downy mildew (section)

== Treatment and management ==

=== Cultural options ===
Because the downy mildew pathogen does not overwinter in midwestern fields, crop rotations and tillage practices do not affect disease development. The pathogen tends to become established in late summer. Therefore, planting early season varieties may further reduce the already minor threat posed by downy mildew.<ref name="purdue1"/> When downy mildew does pose a threat, the removal and destruction of plants displaying symptoms is good practice. 

=== Chemical control ===
Fungicides applied specifically for downy mildew control may be unnecessary. Broad spectrum protectant fungicides such as [[chlorothalonil]], [[mancozeb]], and fixed [[copper]] are at least somewhat effective in protecting against downy mildew infection. Systemic fungicides are labeled for use against [[Cucurbitaceae|cucurbit]] downy mildew, but are recommended only after diagnosis of this disease has been confirmed.<ref name="purdue1"/> In the United States, the [[United States Environmental Protection Agency|Environmental Protection Agency]] has approved [[oxathiapiprolin]] for use against downy mildew.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.mda.state.mn.us/chemicals/pesticides/regs/~/media/Files/chemicals/reviews/nair-oxathiapiprolin.pdf | title = Oxathiapiprolin | website = New Active Ingredient Review | date = October 2015 | publisher = Minnesota Department of Agriculture | access-date = 2017-11-09 | archive-date = 2017-11-07 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20171107025015/http://www.mda.state.mn.us/chemicals/pesticides/regs/~/media/Files/chemicals/reviews/nair-oxathiapiprolin.pdf | url-status = dead }}</ref> In Canada, a mixture of [[zoxamide]] and mancozeb was registered for control of the mildew under the trademark [[Gavel (fungicide)]] as early as 2008.<ref>[https://www.grainews.ca/daily/gowan-buys-dows-gavel-potato-fungicide grainews.ca: "Gowan buys Dow’s Gavel potato fungicide"], 18 Jul 2008</ref>

=== Organic control ===
One way to control downy mildew is to eliminate moisture and humidity around the impacted plants. Watering from below, such as with a drip system, and improve air circulation through selective pruning. In enclosed environments, like in the house or in a greenhouse, reducing the humidity will help as well.

=== Resistant cultivars ===
Recent breeding efforts have produced resistant basil cultivars. Choosing resistant cultivars, in combination with other prevention and control measures, can help growers with high downy mildew pressure still produce a viable crop.<ref>https://www.johnnyseeds.com/on/demandware.static/-/Library-Sites-JSSSharedLibrary/default/dwc8916fa0/assets/information/7648-basil-downy-mildew-prevention.pdf {{Bare URL PDF|date=March 2022}}</ref>