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Five Reasons to Consider Phytophthora infestans a Reemerging Pathogen
W E Fry1, P R J Birch1, H S Judelson1
1First, fifth, and twelfth authors: Cornell University, Section of Plant Pathology and Plant-Microbe Biology, 334 Plant Science Bldg., Ithaca, NY 14850; second author: Division of Plant Sciences, University of Dundee at James Hutton Institute, Invergowrie, Dundee, DD2 4DA, UK; third author: Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology, University of California, Riverside 92521; fourth author: Horticultural Crops Research Laboratory, United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service, 3420 NW Orchard Ave., Corvallis, OR 97330; sixth author: Plant Pathology Department, University of Maryland, 27664 Nanticoke Rd., Salisbury 21801; seventh author: University of Wisconsin Department of Plant Pathology, 1630 Linden Dr., Madison 53706-1598; eighth author: Department of Plant Pathology and Environmental Microbiology, College of Agricultural Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, 219 Buckhout Lab, University Park 16802; ninth author: Department of Plant Pathology, Washington State University, PO Box 646430, Pullman; tenth author: University of Maine Cooperative Extension, 57 Houlton Road, Presque Isle 04769; eleventh author: Section of Plant Pathology and Plant-Microbe Biology, Cornell University, Long Island Horticultural Research & Extension Center, Riverhead, NY 11901-1098; thirteenth author: Department of Plant Pathology, Room 2419 Gardner Hall, NC State University, Raleigh 27695; fourteenth author: Department of Plant Pathology, University of Florida, Southwest Florida Research and Education Center, 2685 SR 29 N, Immokalee 34142-9515; fifteenth author: Department of Plant Pathology, North Dakota State University, 328 Walster Hall, Dept. 7660, PO Box6050, Fargo 58108-6050; and sixteenth author: Section of Plant Pathology and Plant-Microbe Biology, Cornell University, Barton Lab, NYSAES, 630 West North Street, Geneva, NY 14456.
Phytophthora infestans remains a significant pathogen causing devastating late blight. Ongoing research into its history, global spread, and molecular biology reveals new insights and persistent challenges in disease management.
Area of Science:
- Plant Pathology
- Oomycete Research
- Genomics
Background:
- Phytophthora infestans, the pathogen causing late blight, has been studied for over 150 years.
- Its historical association with the Irish potato famine fuels ongoing fascination and research.
- Despite extensive study, the pathogen continues to emerge globally.
Observation:
- The pathogen's devastation appears in new regions and with increased intensity.
- Global populations of Phytophthora infestans are dynamic, impacting disease control strategies.
- Genomic advancements are significantly enhancing understanding of P. infestans molecular biology and pathogenicity.
Findings:
- Historical questions about P. infestans are now addressable with modern technology.
- The pathogen's evolving populations present complex challenges for effective disease management.
- Significant progress has been made in understanding P. infestans pathogenicity through genomics.
Implications:
- Continued research is crucial for managing the persistent threat of late blight.
- Understanding pathogen dynamics and molecular mechanisms is key to developing sustainable control measures.
- Numerous compelling questions about Phytophthora infestans remain, driving future scientific inquiry.
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