Oomycete plant pathogens: biology, pathogenesis and emerging control strategies

Oomycete plant pathogens are among the most serious global threats to crop production and food security, causing devastating diseases in a wide and diverse range of plant species. Best known are the Phytophthora species in the genus that includes the notorious Irish Potato Famine pathogen, Phytophthora infestans. In addition, the downy mildews are also notable plant destroyers. Oomycetes are eukaryotes that share several characteristics with fungi but evolved independently. Both have filamentous growth, form spores for reproduction and dispersal, have a global distribution, thrive in diverse environments as saprobes and pathogens, and share the top position as the most devastating plant pathogens worldwide. Since the late 1990s, in-depth research on oomycetes was boosted by access to genetic tools, advanced technology and genomic resources. Digging into the biology of oomycetes, deciphering their genomes and exploring their pathogenicity mechanisms have uncovered a treasure trove of novelties and peculiarities that opens avenues for tailor-made strategies for disease control.