A University of Illinois plant expert says the state’s sizable basil crop is being hit hard by a disease called basil downy mildew.

Plant pathologist Mohammad Babadoost says the disease is widespread in Illinois. The state grows about $10 million worth of the leafy herb every year and is one of the country’s top producers.

Babadoost said Thursday the mildew spreads rapidly and can lead to total crop loss.

The disease was first found in Illinois in 2009.

Babadoost says he’s worked on a regimen of fungicide spraying that so far has helped growers control the mildew.