The sunflower downy mildew in India was reported around 1986 in Marathwada region of Maharashtra States where sunflower is extensively grown. A survey in this region conducted in 1995-96 revealed 36.67% disease incidence on farmers' fields. Of the 1944 sunflower genotypes screened against downy mildew in infected plot, eight hybrids and one population that showed resist ance to downy mildew and high yield potential were released for commercial cultivation in India. Release of such resistant hybrids has helped to minimize the disease incidence on farmers' fields. The disease incidence has been mini mized considerably in farmers' fields.