What is a typical symptom of powdery mildew on leaves?

• A. Powdery-like fungal growth on the leaf surface
• B. Brown lesions on stems
• C. Large purplish patches on roots
• D. Yellow needles on conifers

Answer: (A)

Powdery mildew shows up as a white to gray powdery coating on leaf surfaces, created by the powdery mildew fungi. That visible powdery film on the leaf blade is the hallmark feature you’d look for in the field, especially on the upper surface. Other options describe symptoms that belong to different problems—brown lesions on stems signal stem-related diseases, large purplish patches on roots point to root issues, and yellow needles on conifers indicate nutrient deficiencies or other conifer-specific stresses. The distinctive powdery growth on the leaves is what identifies powdery mildew.