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Species hybrids in the genus Phytophthora with emphasis on the alder pathogen Phytophthora alni: a review

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Abstract

This review provides a summary of recent examples of interspecific hybridisation within the oomycetous genus Phytophthora. Species hybrids either created in the laboratory or evolved in natural environments are discussed in association with evolutionary issues and possible threats they may pose to agriculture, horticulture and forestry. It is suggested that sustainable control of such hybrids will depend on the better understanding of temporal and spatial aspects of genetic mechanisms and environmental factors that lead to the hybridisation process and thus the genetic diversity in Phytophthora populations.

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Acknowledgements

Part of this study was supported by the Hungarian Scientific Research Fund (OTKA) grant K-61107. Special thanks are due to James T. English for critically reviewing the manuscript.

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Correspondence to Tibor Érsek.

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Érsek, T., Nagy, Z.Á. Species hybrids in the genus Phytophthora with emphasis on the alder pathogen Phytophthora alni: a review. Eur J Plant Pathol 122, 31–39 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10658-008-9296-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10658-008-9296-z

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