Phytophthora cactorum: From Pathogen Biology to Disease Management

Phytophthora cactorum is a versatile plant pathogen with a wide host spectrum causing substantial yield losses in various forest and agricultural systems, the most affected being apple, ginseng, and strawberry. This review synthesizes the current knowledge on the biology and epidemiology of P. cactorum and presents an extensive overview of the available management strategies, including preventive measures, cultural practices, detection tools, chemical and biological control. Beyond compiling existing data, this review also highlights emerging conceptual shifts in our understanding of P. cactorum, particularly the transition from viewing it as a single broadly infective generalist to recognizing the presence of partially specialized lineages with host- and organ-specific adaptations. We further link advances in molecular biology, including effector repertoire characterization, with practical implications for disease management in agricultural and nursery systems. By integrating insights across disciplines, we aim to establish a strong foundation for deciphering the mechanisms underlying pathogenicity and to support the development of more effective and sustainable management strategies.