Phytophthora

Potatoes (Doré) affected by phytophthera

Other plant pests & diseases: Pests & diseases

The word 'phythophthora' comes from the Greek phytón (plant) and phthorá (destruction), so it means 'plant destroyer.' When Phythophthera is raging through your potatoes or tomatoes, you'll remember why this name was given to the disease.

Phythophthora infestans on potatoes, variety Doré

Phythophthera is caused by a genus of Oomycetes (water molds). Oomycetes are very similar to fungi but are in fact not and so are called pseudo-fungi. Approximately 100 species of Phytophthera have been described but there exist many more.

See also

• Pests & diseases

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