What is the life cycle of Phytophthora?

The asexual life cycle of Phytophthora infestans is characterized by alternating phases of hyphal growth, sporulation, sporangia germination (either through zoospore release or direct germination, i.e. germ tube emergence from the sporangium), and the re-establishment of hyphal growth.

How do you get rid of Phytophthora?

Steam heat is effective to kill Phytophthora in contaminated soil, media or on planting containers such as pots. If you re-use pots you can soak pre-cleaned pots in hot (180°F) water for at least 30 min or use aerated steam (140°F) for 30 min.

Where does Phytophthora come from?

Summary: Phytophthora cinnamomi Rands was first isolated from cinnamon trees in Sumatra in 1922. The pathogen is believed to have originated near Papua New Guinea but now has a worldwide distribution.

What type of fungus is Phytophthora?

Phytophthora (from Greek phytón and phthorá; “plant-destroyer”) is a genus in the Phylum Oomycota, a fungus-like lineage of microscopic eukaryotes in the Kingdom Chromista, sometimes called the Kingdom Stramenopila.

How long does Phytophthora live in soil?

Species of Phytophthora produce resting spores that survive for years in moist soil in the absence of a suitable host. However, if the soil is completely dried out, these spores are less likely to survive for more than a few months.

What plants does Phytophthora effect?

The disease affects a range of economic groups, including food crops such as avocado and pineapple as well as trees and woody ornamentals such as Fraser firs, shortleaf pines, loblolly pines, azaleas, camellia, boxwood, causing root rot and dieback.

Phytophthora is a terrestrial fungus. Reproduction by zoospores is a primitive feature in its life cycle. Direct germination is considered an evolutionary adaptation. The sporangia which are washed into the soil germinate and infect the tubers. As a result the tubers may rot by harvest time or rot during storage.

Is Phytophthora a terrestrial or aquatic fungus?

Phytophthora is a terrestrial fungus. Reproduction by zoospores is a primitive feature in its life cycle. Direct germination is considered an evolutionary adaptation. The sporangia which are washed into the soil germinate and infect the tubers.

What is the pathophysiology of Phytophthora infection?

In Phytophthora, infection generally starts when motile zoospores released from sporangia reach a leaf or root surface, encyst, and germinate. Adhesion of cysts to plant surfaces occurs rapidly following zoospore encystment.

What can we learn from Phytophthora parasitica models?

The model study of P. parasitica, which represents the majority species of Phytophthora, will accelerate understanding of molecular plant-oomycete interactions and provide insight into novel disease-control strategies. Acknowledgments