Mildew

mildew, name for certain fungi and protists, for the diseases they cause in various crops, and for the discoloration (and sometimes the weakening and disintegration) they cause in such materials as leather, fabrics, and paper. The powdery mildews usually grow on the surface of plant tissues, forming a gray or white coating and absorbing nourishment from the host. Although traditionally considered fungi, the downy mildews are now more often considered protists. They attack grapes, cucumbers, potatoes, and other vegetables. Methods of making fabrics and leather resistant to mildew have been devised. For the occurrence and control of mildews in agriculture, see diseases of plants. Powdery mildews are classified in the kingdom Fungi, phylum (division) Ascomycota; downy mildews are classified in the kingdom Protista, phylum (division) Oomycota.

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mildew

Conspicuous mass of threadlike hyphae (see mycelium) and fruiting structures produced by various fungi (division Mycota; see fungus). Mildew grows on cloth, fibres, leather goods, and plants, using these substances as food for growth and reproduction. Downy mildew and powdery mildew are plant diseases that affect hundreds of species.

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mildew [′mil‚dü]

(mycology)

A whitish growth on plants, organic matter, and other materials caused by a parasitic fungus.

Any fungus producing such growth.

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mildew

A fungus that grows and feeds on paint, cotton and linen fabric, etc., which are exposed to moisture; causes discoloration and decomposition of the surface.

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Mildew 

the infection of plants with diseases similar to downy mildew, which is caused by fungi of the order Peronosporales. In Soviet literature the term “mildew” is conventionally used to designate only downy mildew of grapes.