ARS | Publication request: Comparison of the two pathogenic systems: Bremia Lactucae on Lactuca, and Phytophthora infestans on Solarum

Submitted to: Downy Mildews 2nd International Symposium
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: May 1, 2007
Publication Date: July 3, 2007
Citation: Simko, I. 2007. Comparison of the two pathogenic systems: Bremia Lactucae on Lactuca, and Phytophthora infestans on Solarum. Downy Mildews 2nd International Symposium. Olomouc, Czech Republic, July 2-7, 2007.

Technical Abstract: Oomycetes are the largest group of heterotrophic Stramenopiles, physically resembling fungi. However, biochemical analyses and comparison of sequences of ribosomal and mitochondrial genes suggest that Oomycetes share little taxonomic affinity to fungi, but are more closely related to heterokont algae. Oomycetes are among the most important plant pathogenic organisms that may be facultatively or obligately parasitic. In the present work I am comparing two economically important Oomycetes and their effect on the host. Bremia lactucae belongs to the family Peronosporaceae and is obligate parasite that causes serious foliar disease known as downy mildew on Lactuca species. Phytophthora infestans that belongs to the family Pythiaceae is devastating pathogen on Solanaceae species causing late blight of potato and tomato. Both systems have been well studied and the differences and similarities between them are presented.