Image: Cilantro Leaves Affected by Powdery Mildew
Published: February 6, 2026 at 6:03:06 PM UTC
High-resolution close-up photograph of a cilantro plant infected with powdery mildew, showing white fungal patches on green leaves and early signs of plant stress.
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Image description
This high-resolution landscape-oriented photograph presents a detailed close-up view of a cilantro plant visibly infected with powdery mildew. The image focuses on several overlapping cilantro leaves, each displaying the plant’s characteristic flat, lobed, and scalloped leaf structure. The normally vibrant green foliage is disrupted by extensive patches of white to light gray powdery fungal growth that coats the upper surfaces of the leaves. The mildew appears unevenly distributed, forming clusters of fine, dust-like particles that give the leaves a chalky, frosted appearance.
Subtle variations in leaf color are visible across the plant, ranging from healthy medium green to areas of pale yellowing and light browning, particularly along the edges and tips. These discolorations suggest stress and declining leaf health associated with the fungal infection. Some leaf margins show early signs of curling and drying, adding texture and visual evidence of disease progression. The fine veins of the cilantro leaves remain visible beneath the mildew, emphasizing the contrast between the plant’s natural structure and the invasive fungal layer.
The central stem and petioles are a fresher green and appear slightly glossy, indicating that the infection is most pronounced on the leaf surfaces rather than the stems. Tiny water droplets cling to parts of the foliage, catching the light and enhancing the sense of realism, as if the plant has recently been watered or exposed to morning dew. These droplets also accentuate the powdery mildew by causing small clumps where moisture has contacted the fungal spores.
In the background, additional cilantro plants fade into a soft, natural blur, creating depth of field and isolating the infected leaves as the main subject. The background remains predominantly green, reinforcing the garden or field setting while keeping attention on the disease symptoms in the foreground. Lighting is natural and diffused, with no harsh shadows, allowing the textures of the leaves and mildew to be clearly visible. Overall, the image serves as a clear visual reference for identifying powdery mildew on cilantro, highlighting both early and moderate symptoms in a realistic agricultural or gardening context.
The image is related to: A Guide to Growing Cilantro in Your Own Garden