Peronosclerospora neglecta sp. nov.—a widespread and overlooked threat to corn (maize) production in the tropics

Abstract Downy mildew is a serious threat to corn (maize) production in the tropics and subtropics. Corn native Central America, was introduced into South-East Asia by Spanish colonisers 1700s. evolutionarily naïve downy mildews of genus Peronosclerospora . Consequently, monocultures are particularly susceptible variety species, which spread crop from local grasses. Globally, one most important crops for both humans livestock. Several have been identified as potential threats global food security, trade with seeds strictly regulated avoid spreading pathogens. Despite their importance, little known about biodiversity graminicolous mildews, because identification has often relied on variable morphological features, such conidial dimensions. DNA barcodes species become available only recently. During surveys Indonesia, previously unrecognised found investigated using combination characters molecular phylogenetic analyses. The new here neglecta , widely distributed Thailand eastern Indonesia. impact this can be severe, complete losses heavily affected fields. Given aggressiveness close surveillance warranted restrict its further spread.