Taxonomy of Phytophthora fragariae
A joint German-Scottish microbiological study on the taxonomy of Phytophthora fragariae var. fragariae and var. rubi (both EPPO A2 quarantine pests) was carried out by analyzing restriction fragment length polymorphisms in nuclear and mitochondrial DNA of the two pathogens.
The German-Scottish research team detected a close relationship between the two varieties of P. fragariae, but also clear distinguishing marks, which confirms their separation at varietal level (see also Reporting Service 93/174 1993, No. 10). Comparisons of P. fragariae var. rubi isolates from different origins showed a strong homogeneity of all isolates. The authors assumed, therefore, that the pathogen is responsible for root rot of raspberries world-wide wherever the disease has been found. Both P. fragariae varieties could easily be distinguished from other Phytophthora spp. with the exception of P. cambivora which showed a considerable similarity.
Sources
Stammler, G.; Seemller, E.; Duncan, J.M. (1993) Analysis of RLFP's in nuclear and mitochondrial DNA and the taxonomy of Phytophthora fragariae.
Mycological Research 97, 150-156.