Basil downy mildew has been confirmed on the variety Genovese in a homeowner garden in Pender County, North Carolina. The disease has not been found on the resistant varieties Thunderstruck, Devotion, Passion, and Obsession.

Update (Sept. 13, 2021): Basil downy mildew has also been confirmed in Haywood County, NC.

Growers are advised to actively scout for the disease and implement management strategies to prevent pathogen spread. For more information regarding identification of the pathogen and management of the disease please refer to our basil downy mildew fact sheet.

Sweet basil varieties resistant to downy mildew are now available and listed in the fact sheet. If you think you have downy mildew in your basil please contact your local Extension agent and send photos and/or physical samples to the NC State University Plant Disease and Insect Clinic so we can assist you with diagnosis of the disease.

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