It was subsequently reported in South Africa in 1993 and Italy in 1997. The pathogen was introduced, presumably via infested seed. The disease has subsequently spread to Karnataka and Andra Pradesh. As of 1994, it had not been reported to occur in Punjab or Uttar Pradesh, but that may not be the case today. According to Thomas Gulya, USDA, ARS at North Dakota State University, Fargo, there are at least 10 downy mildew biotypes or races in North America, and perhaps the same in Europe.
Seed companies treat seed with fungicides to prevent spread of the disease.