Phytophthora infestans samples were collected during 1997 and 1998 at multiple sites in Russia from Sakhalin Island in the Far East across Siberia (nine sites, 160 isolates) to the Moscow region (four sites, 325 isolates). In addition, 12 isolates that were obtained previously were included. All isolates were analysed for mating type, and sensitivity to metalaxyl. Isolates from within any of the nine sites outside of the Moscow region were monomorphic for mating type and nearly monomorphic for metalaxyl resistance. In contrast, both A1 and A2 isolates were detected in the Moscow region, and these isolates were also polymorphic for metalaxyl resistance. In two sites in Siberia only A2 mating type strains were detected, in the other six sites in Siberia and in Sakahlin Island, only A1 mating types were detected. A subset of isolates (n 191) was also analysed for pathotype (virulence to 10 R-genes, each in a distinct dierential genotype). All isolates were highly complex (mean number of virulences approximately 8.4 of a maximum number of 10). All isolates (n 43) from Sakahlin Island were virulent to all 10 of the R-genes tested. A further subset of isolates (n 70, including 12 isolates collected before 1997) was analysed for genotype at the Glucose-6-phosphate isomerase and Peptidase loci, mtDNA haplotypes, and RFLP pattern using the RG57 probe. The US-1 clonal lineage (previously dominant) was not detected in the 1997±98 sample. The populations of P. infestans near Moscow in 1997 and 1998 was highly diverse with 15 unique genotypes (including both mating types) among a sample of 18 isolates. In contrast, the populations of P. infestans in Siberia had limited diversity, with only three multilocus genotypes detected and most populations were dominated by the SIB-1 clonal lineage. This lineage accounted for 31 of the 39 strains collected in Siberia that were assayed for multilocus genotype.

We report the inhibitory effect of peptide extracts obtained from seven medicinal plants against a causative agent of late blight disease Phytophthora infestans. We find that all the extracts possess inhibitory activity toward the zoospores output, zoosporangium germination, and the development of P. infestans on potato disc tubers at different quantitative levels. Based on the biological effects detected, an extract of common horsetail (Equisetum arvense) biomass is recognized as the most effective and is selected for further structural analysis. We perform a combination of amino acid analysis and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, which reveal the presence of Asn/Asp- and Gln/Glu-rich short peptides with molecular masses in the range of 500–900 Da and not exceeding 1500 Da as the maximum. Analytical anion-exchange HPLC is successfully applied for separation of the peptide extract from common horsetail (E. arvense). We collect nine dominant components that are combined in two groups with differences in retention times. The N-terminal amino acid sequence of the prevalent compounds after analytical ion-exchange HPLC allows us to identify them as peptide fragments of functionally active proteins associated with photosynthesis, aquatic transport, and chitin binding. The anti-oomycete effects may be associated with the conversion of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase to produce a number of biologically active anionic peptides with possible regulatory functions. These data inform our knowledge regarding biologically active peptide fragments; they are the components of programmed or induced proteolysis of plant proteins and can realize secondary antimicrobial functions.

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