WHAT IS THE OOMYCETE PATHOGENS? AND TOP 10 OOMYCETE PATHOGENS

Oomycetes form a deep lineage of eukaryotic organisms that includes a large number of plant pathogens which threaten natural and managed ecosystems.

We undertook a survey to query the community for their ranking of plant-pathogenic oomycete species based on scientific and economic importance.

In total, we received 263 votes from 62 scientists in 15 countries for a total of 33 species. The Top 10 species and their ranking are:

(1) Phytophthora infestans;

(2) Hyaloperonospora arabidopsidis;

(3) Phytophthora ramorum;

(4) Phytophthora sojae;

(5) Phytophthora capsici;

(6) Plasmopara viticola;

(7) Phytophthora cinnamomi;

(8) Phytophthora parasitica;

(9) Pythium ultimum;

(10) Albugo candida.

This article provides an introduction to these 10 taxa and a snapshot of current research. We hope that the list will serve as a benchmark for future trends in oomycete research.