Components of quantitative resistance in sunflower (Helianthus annuus) to Plasmopara halstedii, the pathogen causing downy mildew, were investigated. Percentage infection, latent period, sporulation density and reduction of hypocotyl length were compared on two sunflower lines showing different levels of quantitative resistance in the field infected with different P. halstedii strains of races 100, 300, 710 and 714 in controlled conditions. The inbred line BT, rather susceptible in the field, showed a higher percentage infection, a higher sporulation density, a shorter latent period and less reduced hypocotyl length than inbred line FU, which showed a greater resistance in the field. The very good resistance of inbred line FU observed in the field was confirmed by the measurements of quantitative resistance criteria described in this study. Percentage infection of FU was 1.4% less than BT, latent period of BT was 12.4% less than FU, sporulation density of FU was 22.3% less than BT and reduced hypocotyl length of BT was 15.3% less than FU. It seems that the criteria such as latent period, sporulation density and reduction of hypocotyl length may be used to measure quantitative resistance in sunflower to P. halstedii.