Morphology:
– Hyphae in Pythium species lack septations
– Oogonia typically contain a single oospore
– Antheridia have elongated and club-shaped structures
Ecological Importance:
– Pythium-induced root rot is common in crops
– Pythium species are generalistic plant pathogens
– Pythium spp. can survive for a long time on decaying plant matter
– Pythium spp. cause extensive root rot in hydroponic systems
– Some Pythium species are mycoparasites of plant pathogenic fungi
Resistance and Control:
– Some Pythium populations have resistance to certain chemicals
– Pythium species can be potential biocontrol agents
– Chemical treatments of nutrient solutions can help control Pythium wilt
– Genetic host resistance is of interest in managing Pythium diseases
Publications and Research:
– Studies on Pythium morphology and taxonomy have been conducted
– Research on the etiology and epidemiology of Pythium root rot
– Investigation of phenolic compounds associated with Pythium infections
Further Reading:
– Wikimedia Commons has media related to Pythium
– Monographs on the genus Pythium have been published
– Molecular phylogeny and taxonomy studies on Pythium have been conducted