Abstract
Powdery mildew fungi are a family of obligate parasites of horticultural plants, agricultural crops, and trees. These fungi may retard the growth of young plants and may kill tree seedlings. While the evidence is inconclusive, recurring attacks of powdery mildew, in combination with other pathogens or herbivory by mammals and insects, are thought to even cause older trees to die. A recent outbreak of the disease associated with sand live oak (Quercus geminata) is the focus of an ongoing investigation in the Tampa Bay region. A review of the literature suggests that this occurrence is unprecedented in its intensity and geographic extent. It is suspect in the loss of mature trees within the region, and demonstrates how the lack of urban forest diversity can lead to uncommon disease and insect infestation patterns.
