Phytophthora infestans is an oomycete, a water mold that despite superficially resembling a fungus is more closely related to algae and diatoms, distinguished in part by cell walls made of cellulose rather than the chitin found in true fungi, and by the production of swimming spores. It causes late blight, a destructive disease of potato and tomato plants that flourishes in cool, moist conditions, and it was responsible for major nineteenth century famines, most notably the Irish Potato Famine of 1845 to 1852. Its scientific name, coined in 1876 by German scientist Heinrich Anton de Bary, combines Greek and Latin roots meaning roughly plant destroyer.
Facts
Classification
System (Realm) Relationship to PeopleAgricultural or Structural Pest 2 Scientific Name Connections
In the Other Atlases
Found In
Also in Geography Atlas: where this subject is found.
Also in Geography Atlas: where this subject is found.
Also in Geography Atlas: where this subject is found.
Also in Geography Atlas: where this subject is found.
Also in Geography Atlas: where this subject is found.
Also in Geography Atlas: where this subject is found.
Also in Geography Atlas: where this subject is found.
Also in Geography Atlas: where this subject is found.
Also in Geography Atlas: where this subject is found.
Also in Geography Atlas: where this subject is found.
Also in Geography Atlas: where this subject is found.
Also in Geography Atlas: where this subject is found.
Also in Geography Atlas: where this subject is found.
Also in Geography Atlas: where this subject is found.
Also in Geography Atlas: where this subject is found.
Also in Geography Atlas: where this subject is found.
Also in Geography Atlas: where this subject is found.
Also in Geography Atlas: where this subject is found.
Sources
1. GBIF Species API
2. Phytophthora infestans (Wikipedia)
- major factor in the 1840s European, the 1845-1852 Irish, and the 1846 Highland potato famines
In Group: Oomycetes (Water Molds), Lead
Phytophthora infestans is an oomycete or water mold, a fungus-like microorganism (oomycete) that causes the serious crop disease known as late blight or potato blight.
View the Source3. Wikipedia: Phytophthora infestans
IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
Wikidata: Phytophthora
- Wikidata Q149072, class allow-list match (w-wdresolver-0926)
- Child Taxon Of: Oomycota, Wikidata parent-taxon (P171) chain
View the SourceReader Challenges (0)
No disputes yet. Spotted an error or a better source? Open the first one.
Sign in to dispute this or suggest a correction.