A brief survey of the current systematics and taxonomy of powdery mildews (Erysiphales) is given with special focus on new characters used for taxonomic purposes as well as new approaches, methods and techniques. The structure of the family Erysiphaceae based on phylogenetic results is summarized, and the current, strongly increased number of powdery mildew taxa in a planned new monographic treatment of this fungal group is given and compared with the old monograph from 1987.