title: Rapid staining method to detect and identify downy mildew (Peronospora belbahrii) in basil.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Demand for fresh-market sweet basil continues to increase, but in 2009 a new pathogen emerged, threatening commercial field/greenhouse production and leading to high crop losses. This study describes a simple and effective staining method for rapid microscopic detection of basil downy mildew (Peronospora belbahrii) from leaves of basil (Ocimum basilicum). •
  
  
  RESULTS
  Fresh leaf sections infected with P. belbahrii were placed on a microscope slide, cleared with Visikol™, and stained with iodine solution followed by one drop of 70% sulfuric acid. Cell walls of the pathogen were stained with a distinct coloration, providing a high-contrast image between the pathogen and plant. •
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This new staining method can be used successfully to identify downy mildew in basil, which then can significantly reduce its spread if identified early, coupled with mitigation strategies. This technique can facilitate the control of the disease, without expensive and specialized equipment.
authors.affiliation: Science Department, Borough of Manhattan Community College, The City University of New York, 199 Chambers Street, New York, New York 10007 USA.
authors.forename: Adolfina R
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Koroch
authors.affiliation: New Use Agriculture and Natural Plant Products Program, School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, and the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station (NJAES), Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 59 Dudley Road, New Brunswick, New Jersey 08901 USA ; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 160 Frelinghuysen Road, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854 USA.
authors.forename: Thomas S
authors.initials: TS
authors.lastname: Villani
authors.affiliation: New Use Agriculture and Natural Plant Products Program, School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, and the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station (NJAES), Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 59 Dudley Road, New Brunswick, New Jersey 08901 USA.
authors.forename: Robert M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Pyne
authors.affiliation: New Use Agriculture and Natural Plant Products Program, School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, and the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station (NJAES), Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 59 Dudley Road, New Brunswick, New Jersey 08901 USA.
authors.forename: James E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Simon
keywords: Peronospora belbahrii; basil; downy mildew; light microscopy; staining; visualization