About the Phytophtora infestans genome

Phytophthora infestans is the causal agent of the late potato blight disease and also infects tomatoes and other members of the Solanaceae. This oomycete caused several major crop losses including the Great Famine in Ireland. This pathogen can affect a large area reproducing asexually through spores. P. infestans sporangia are carried by the wind until they land in plant tissue. If the conditions are wet and cool they release their zoospores that can swim until encysting in the host. If conditions are warmer a germ tube from the sporangium can penetrate the plant.

Taxonomy ID 403677

Data source Broad Institute

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