Powdery mildew spores. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of spores of a powdery mildew fungus (Mycotypha africana). The spores are borne on long sporangia (not seen here). Powdery mildew is a common plant disease caused by a number of fungi; the generic name refers to the appearance of the infected plant, the leaves of which look as if they have been dusted with powder. Magnification: x8500 at 6x7cm size.