Phytophthora capsici

Phytophthora capsici is a soil-borne oomycete pathogen that causes significant damage to a wide range of crop plants. It is a member of the Phytophthora genus, which includes other notable plant pathogens such as Phytophthora infestans, the cause of the Irish Potato Famine.

Taxonomy

Phytophthora capsici was first described in 1922 by Leonian, who identified it as the cause of a disease outbreak in chili peppers in New Mexico. It is classified within the Oomycetes, a group of fungus-like organisms that are actually more closely related to algae.

Host Range and Distribution

Phytophthora capsici has a broad host range that includes many economically important crops. It is particularly devastating to pepper and cucumber crops, but can also infect tomato, eggplant, squash, and melon plants, among others. The pathogen is distributed globally, with significant impacts in North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa.

Disease Symptoms and Life Cycle

Infection by Phytophthora capsici typically results in wilting, leaf blight, and fruit rot. The pathogen has a complex life cycle that includes both sexual and asexual reproduction. It produces sporangia that can release zoospores, which are capable of swimming through water to infect new hosts.

Management

Management of Phytophthora capsici is challenging due to its broad host range and ability to persist in soil. Strategies include the use of resistant cultivars, crop rotation, and fungicides. However, the pathogen has shown the ability to develop resistance to some fungicides, making management a continuing challenge.

See Also

• Phytophthora infestans
• Oomycetes
• Plant Pathology