The devastating oomycete phytopathogen Phytophthora cactorum: Insights into its biology and molecular features

Abstract

Phytophthora cactorum is one of the most economically important soilborne oomycete pathogens in the world. It infects more than 200 plant species spanning 54 families, most of which are herbaceous and woody species. Although traditionally considered to be a generalist, marked differences of P. cactorum isolates occur in degree of pathogenicity to different hosts. As the impact of crop loss caused by this species has increased recently, there has been a tremendous increase in the development of new tools, resources, and management strategies to study and combat this devastating pathogen. This review aims to integrate recent molecular biology analyses of P. cactorum with the current knowledge of the cellular and genetic basis of its growth, development, and host infection. The goal is to provide a framework for further studies of P. cactorum by highlighting important biological and molecular features, shedding light on the functions of pathogenicity factors, and developing effective control measures.TaxonomyP. cactorum (Leb. & Cohn) Schröeter: kingdom Chromista; phylum Oomycota; class Oomycetes; order Peronosporales; family Peronosporaceae; genus Phytophthora.Host rangeInfects about 200 plant species in 154 genera representing 54 families. Economically important host plants include strawberry, apple, pear, Panax spp., and walnut.Disease symptomsThe soilborne pathogen often causes root, stem, collar, crown, and fruit rots, as well as foliar infection, stem canker, and seedling damping off.

Comparative Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Novel Candidate Resistance Genes Involved in Defence against Phytophthora cactorum in Strawberry

“…Crown rot, caused by the oomycete Phytophthora cactorum (Lebert & Cohn) J. Schröt, is a destructive soil-borne disease of strawberry ( Fragaria spp.) [ 1 ]. The disease occurs sporadically, but serious crop losses are evident from previous outbreaks [ 2 , 3 ].…”

Transcriptome analysis of Phytophthora cactorum infecting strawberry identified RXLR effectors that induce cell death when transiently expressed in Nicotiana benthamiana

“…Only a few P. cactorum effectors have been functionally characterized so far: four RXLRs, one NPP, two elicitins, and four cysteine rich proteins (Chen et al, 2023). The five additional cell death inducing RXLRs identified in this study can in principle play important roles in pathogenicity, despite being recognized by N. benthamiana when transiently expressed.…”

“…Phytophthora cactorum is a devastating soil-borne oomycete pathogen that infects more than 200 plant species from 154 genera, including some of the most valuable horticultural plants such as apple, pear, and strawberry (Erwin and Ribeiro, 1996;Hantula et al, 2000;Sanchez et al, 2019;Chen et al, 2023). The pathogen can persist as resting oospores in soil for many years, even without a host plant, and during extreme environmental conditions.…”

Diversity and distribution of Phytophthora species across different types of riparian vegetation in Italy with the description of Phytophthora heteromorpha sp. nov.

“…Clade 1 includes many important pathogenic species especially in crops and horticulture, such as the historical pathogens P. infestans and P. nicotianae [58, 59]. The most common species worldwide is P. cactorum , an invasive and destructive pathogen with a broad host range of herbaceous and woody hosts [60]. While the occurrence and host range of P. cactorum is well documented, very little is known about the real distribution of the other closely species P. alpina , P. idaei and P. pseudotsugae [17].…”