Golovinomyces longipes (Noordel. & Loer.) L. Kiss on Matricaria chamomilla L.: another host range expansion

Golovinomyces longipes is a widespread powdery mildew on Solanaceae (Nicotiana, Petunia and Solanum spp.). In the past, it has been reported only once on Verbena (Verbenaceae), a non-solanaceaous host. Recently, this powdery mildew has been found on the composite Matricaria chamomilla. The identification of the powdery mildew species on this unusual host has been proved by morphological studies and DNA sequence analysis. Both datasets coincide with the characteristic data for G. longipes on Solanaceae. First inoculation experiments with further composites resulted in an infection of Brachyscome hybrid ‘Surdaisy’. To our knowledge, this is the first report of G. lonigpes on hosts belonging to the important family of Asteraceae and an additional proof of the broader host range of G. longipes beyond the Solanaceae.