First Report of Powdery Mildew of Eschscholzia californica (California Poppy) caused by Erysiphe cruciferarum in North America

California poppy is an annual species grown widely in the Pacific Northwest. Once established, populations are self-seeding and require little care. During an ongoing study of Erysiphales, a powdery mildew fungus was collected repeatedly on this species in Seattle, WA. The fungus was determined to be Erysiphe cruciferarum Opiz ex Junell, a species not reported previously on this host in North America. This report documents the occurrence of the disease and provides information on the morphology and identification of the causal agent. Accepted for publication 8 November 2006. Published 13 December 2006.