Plant Pathogenic Oomycetes

A special issue of Microorganisms (ISSN 2076-2607). This special issue belongs to the section "Plant Microbe Interactions".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 May 2020) | Viewed by 22258

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, Department of Biological Sciences, Institute of Ecology, Evolution and Diversity, Germany and Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre (BiK-F), Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung and Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
Interests: biogeography; comparative genomics; evolution; molecular interactions of symbiotic systems; pathogen ecology; phylogenetics; taxonomy

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Plant pathogenic oomycetes cause billions of dollars of losses each year and some threaten natural ecosystems in their invasive range. At the same time, control measures are often insufficient, their diversity is still largely unknown, and new pathogens are constantly emerging. The scope of the Special Issue on Plant Pathogenic Oomycetes is to collect significant advances in all areas of research on plant pathogenic oomycetes. Both original research and review articles are welcome, but please contact the Guest Editor first, if you plan to submit a review manuscript. Manuscripts dealing with single-gene phylogenies or descriptions of single species will only be acceptable in rare cases. Please contact the guest editor if in doubt.

Prof. Dr. Marco Thines
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • biogeography
  • comparative genomics
  • ecology
  • evolution
  • invasion biology
  • modeling molecular plant–pathogen interactions
  • neglected and emerging diseases
  • oomycota
  • phylogenetics
  • taxonomy

Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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18 pages, 2949 KiB  
Article
Phytophthora Diversity in Pennsylvania Nurseries and Greenhouses Inferred from Clinical Samples Collected over Four Decades
by Cody Molnar, Ekaterina Nikolaeva, Seonghwan Kim, Tracey Olson, Devin Bily, Jung-Eun Kim and Seogchan Kang
Microorganisms 2020, 8(7), 1056; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms8071056 - 16 Jul 2020
Cited by 18 | Viewed by 3734
Abstract
The increasing movement of exotic pathogens calls for systematic surveillance so that newly introduced pathogens can be recognized and dealt with early. A resource crucial for recognizing such pathogens is knowledge about the spatial and temporal diversity of endemic pathogens. Here, we report [...] Read more.
The increasing movement of exotic pathogens calls for systematic surveillance so that newly introduced pathogens can be recognized and dealt with early. A resource crucial for recognizing such pathogens is knowledge about the spatial and temporal diversity of endemic pathogens. Here, we report an effort to build this resource for Pennsylvania (PA) by characterizing the identity and distribution of Phytophthora species isolated from diverse plant species in PA nurseries and greenhouses. We identified 1137 Phytophthora isolates cultured from clinical samples of >150 plant species submitted to the PA Department of Agriculture for diagnosis from 1975 to 2019 using sequences of one or more loci and morphological characteristics. The three most commonly received plants were Abies, Rhododendron, and Pseudotsuga. Thirty-six Phytophthora species identified represent all clades, except 3 and 10, and included a distinct subgroup of a known species and a prospective new species. Prominent pathogenic species such as P. cactorum, P. cinnamomi, P. nicotianae, P. drechsleri, P. pini, P. plurivora, and P. sp. kelmania have been found consistently since 1975. One isolate cultured from Juniperus horizontalis roots did not correspond to any known species, and several other isolates also show considerable genetic variation from any authentic species or isolate. Some species were isolated from never-before-documented plants, suggesting that their host range is larger than previously thought. This survey only provides a coarse picture of historical patterns of Phytophthora encounters in PA nurseries and greenhouses because the isolation of Phytophthora was not designed for a systematic survey. However, its extensive temporal and plant coverage offers a unique insight into the association of Phytophthora with diverse plants in nurseries and greenhouses. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Pathogenic Oomycetes)
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18 pages, 2576 KiB  
Article
Transcriptomic and Ultrastructural Signatures of K+-Induced Aggregation in Phytophthora parasitica Zoospores
by Ilaria Bassani, Corinne Rancurel, Sophie Pagnotta, François Orange, Nicolas Pons, Kevin Lebrigand, Franck Panabières, Laurent Counillon, Xavier Noblin and Eric Galiana
Microorganisms 2020, 8(7), 1012; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms8071012 - 7 Jul 2020
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3000
Abstract
Most pathogenic oomycetes of the genus Phytophthora spread in water films as flagellated zoospores. Zoospores perceive and produce signals attracting other zoospores, resulting in autoaggregation in vitro or biofilm formation on plant surface. The mechanisms underlying intercellular communication and consequent attraction, adhesion and [...] Read more.
Most pathogenic oomycetes of the genus Phytophthora spread in water films as flagellated zoospores. Zoospores perceive and produce signals attracting other zoospores, resulting in autoaggregation in vitro or biofilm formation on plant surface. The mechanisms underlying intercellular communication and consequent attraction, adhesion and aggregation are largely unknown. In Phytophthora parasitica, the perception of a K+ gradient induces coordinated motion and aggregation. To define cellular and molecular events associated with oomycete aggregation, we combined transcriptomic and ultrastructural analyses. Results indicate involvement of electroception in K+ sensing. They establish that the transcriptome repertoire required for swimming and aggregation is already fully functional at zoospore release. At the time points analyzed, aggregates are mainly constituted of zoospores. They produce vesicular and fibrillary material discharged at cell-to-cell contacts. Consistently, the signature of transcriptome dynamics during transition to aggregates is an upregulation of genes potentially related to vesicular trafficking. Moreover, transcriptomic and functional analyses show a strong enhancement of carbonic anhydrase activity, indicating that pH homeostasis may contribute to aggregation by acting on both zoospore movement and adhesion. This study poses the molecular and cellular bases of aggregative behavior within oomycetes and expands the current knowledge of ion perception-mediated dissemination of propagules in the rhizosphere. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Pathogenic Oomycetes)
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17 pages, 2044 KiB  
Article
Association of Phytophthora with Declining Vegetation in an Urban Forest Environment
by Mohammed Y. Khdiar, Paul A. Barber, Giles E. StJ. Hardy, Chris Shaw, Emma J. Steel, Cameron McMains and Treena I. Burgess
Microorganisms 2020, 8(7), 973; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms8070973 - 29 Jun 2020
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2554
Abstract
Urban forests consist of various environments from intensely managed spaces to conservation areas and are often reservoirs of a diverse range of invasive pathogens due to their introduction through the nursery trade. Pathogens are likely to persist because the urban forest contains a [...] Read more.
Urban forests consist of various environments from intensely managed spaces to conservation areas and are often reservoirs of a diverse range of invasive pathogens due to their introduction through the nursery trade. Pathogens are likely to persist because the urban forest contains a mixture of native and exotic plant species, and the environmental conditions are often less than ideal for the trees. To test the impact of different land management approaches on the Phytophthora community, 236 discrete soil and root samples were collected from declining trees in 91 parks and nature reserves in Joondalup, Western Australia (WA). Sampling targeted an extensive variety of declining native trees and shrubs, from families known to be susceptible to Phytophthora. A sub-sample was set aside and DNA extracted for metabarcoding using Phytophthora-specific primers; the remaining soil and root sample was baited for the isolation of Phytophthora. We considered the effect on the Phytophthora community of park class and area, soil family, and the change in canopy cover or health as determined through sequential measurements using remote sensing. Of the 236 samples, baiting techniques detected Phytophthora species from 24 samples (18 parks), while metabarcoding detected Phytophthora from 168 samples (64 parks). Overall, forty-four Phytophthora phylotypes were detected. Considering only sampling sites where Phytophthora was detected, species richness averaged 5.82 (range 1–21) for samples and 9.23 (range 2–24) for parks. Phytophthora multivora was the most frequently found species followed by P. arenaria, P. amnicola and P. cinnamomi. While park area and canopy cover had a significant effect on Phytophthora community the R2 values were very low, indicating they have had little effect in shaping the community. Phytophthora cinnamomi and P. multivora, the two most invasive species, often co-occurring (61% of samples); however, the communities with P. multivora were more common than those with P. cinnamomi, reflecting observations over the past decade of the increasing importance of P. multivora as a pathogen in the urban environment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Pathogenic Oomycetes)
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31 pages, 2493 KiB  
Article
Comparative Genomic and Proteomic Analyses of Three Widespread Phytophthora Species: Phytophthora chlamydospora, Phytophthora gonapodyides and Phytophthora pseudosyringae
by Jamie McGowan, Richard O’Hanlon, Rebecca A. Owens and David A. Fitzpatrick
Microorganisms 2020, 8(5), 653; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms8050653 - 30 Apr 2020
Cited by 33 | Viewed by 5514
Abstract
The Phytophthora genus includes some of the most devastating plant pathogens. Here we report draft genome sequences for three ubiquitous Phytophthora species—Phytophthora chlamydospora, Phytophthora gonapodyides, and Phytophthora pseudosyringae. Phytophthora pseudosyringae is an important forest pathogen that is abundant in [...] Read more.
The Phytophthora genus includes some of the most devastating plant pathogens. Here we report draft genome sequences for three ubiquitous Phytophthora species—Phytophthora chlamydospora, Phytophthora gonapodyides, and Phytophthora pseudosyringae. Phytophthora pseudosyringae is an important forest pathogen that is abundant in Europe and North America. Phytophthora chlamydospora and Ph. gonapodyides are globally widespread species often associated with aquatic habitats. They are both regarded as opportunistic plant pathogens. The three sequenced genomes range in size from 45 Mb to 61 Mb. Similar to other oomycete species, tandem gene duplication appears to have played an important role in the expansion of effector arsenals. Comparative analysis of carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes) across 44 oomycete genomes indicates that oomycete lifestyles may be linked to CAZyme repertoires. The mitochondrial genome sequence of each species was also determined, and their gene content and genome structure were compared. Using mass spectrometry, we characterised the extracellular proteome of each species and identified large numbers of proteins putatively involved in pathogenicity and osmotrophy. The mycelial proteome of each species was also characterised using mass spectrometry. In total, the expression of approximately 3000 genes per species was validated at the protein level. These genome resources will be valuable for future studies to understand the behaviour of these three widespread Phytophthora species. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Pathogenic Oomycetes)
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Review

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21 pages, 1067 KiB  
Review
Organize, Don’t Agonize: Strategic Success of Phytophthora Species
by Jane Chepsergon, Thabiso E. Motaung, Daniel Bellieny-Rabelo and Lucy Novungayo Moleleki
Microorganisms 2020, 8(6), 917; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms8060917 - 17 Jun 2020
Cited by 26 | Viewed by 6861
Abstract
Plants are constantly challenged by various environmental stressors ranging from abiotic—sunlight, elevated temperatures, drought, and nutrient deficits, to biotic factors—microbial pathogens and insect pests. These not only affect the quality of harvest but also the yield, leading to substantial annual crop losses, worldwide. [...] Read more.
Plants are constantly challenged by various environmental stressors ranging from abiotic—sunlight, elevated temperatures, drought, and nutrient deficits, to biotic factors—microbial pathogens and insect pests. These not only affect the quality of harvest but also the yield, leading to substantial annual crop losses, worldwide. Although plants have a multi-layered immune system, phytopathogens such as species of the oomycete genus Phytophthora, can employ elaborate mechanisms to breach this defense. For the last two decades, researchers have focused on the co-evolution between Phytophthora and interacting hosts to decouple the mechanisms governing their molecular associations. This has provided a comprehensive understanding of the pathobiology of plants affected by oomycetes. Ultimately, this is important for the development of strategies to sustainably improve agricultural production. Therefore, this paper discusses the present-day state of knowledge of the strategic mode of operation employed by species of Phytophthora for successful infection. Specifically, we consider motility, attachment, and host cell wall degradation used by these pathogenic species to obtain nutrients from their host. Also discussed is an array of effector types from apoplastic (hydrolytic proteins, protease inhibitors, elicitins) to cytoplastic (RxLRs, named after Arginine-any amino acid-Leucine-Arginine consensus sequence and CRNs, for CRinkling and Necrosis), which upon liberation can subvert the immune response and promote diseases in plants. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Pathogenic Oomycetes)
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