Advice
RHS Help & Advice
Pansy downy mildew
Symptoms
Grey patches of mould on the undersides of leaves which correspond with discoloured areas on the upper surfaces. Severely affected leaves may curl and take on a uniform light green colour.
Plants affected
Pansies and violas, including wild species.
Cause
This fungal disease is related to other downy mildews that attack a wide range of garden plants. The disease is spread by water and wet conditions favour infection. Wild pansies can be a source of infection.
Non-chemical control
Pick off and destroy affected leaves as soon as seen. Buy healthy plants. Avoid planting violas and pansies on soil where they have grown previously, as dormant spores can persist in the soil.
Chemical control
None available to the home gardener.