Ecology of lower oomycetes

摘要: In contrast to oomycetes that infect terrestrial plants (and, some extent, animals), their aquatic counterparts remain strongly understudied. This statement applies particularly the group roughly outlined as ‘‘lower oomycetes,’’ which mostly encompasses intracellular, holocarpic pathogens of marine algae and invertebrates. The shortcomings in understanding can be attributed challenges exploring habitats, relatively small communities scientists studying taxa, often biotrophic life history these parasites. However, it seems timely devote more attention organisms— especially overall context oomycete evolution impact pathogen epidemics on natural communities. Recent studies have highlighted apicomplexan parasites share fundamental features infection mechanisms (Bhattacharjee et al., 2006)— this regard, representatives closer basis lineage expected offer insight into strategies than highly evolved (but traditionally better studied) taxa. Also, there is increasing recognition flow energy matter ecosystems (Lafferty 2006) structuring (Packer Clay, 2000). Although epidemiology many plant fairly well understood, an almost complete gap our knowledge concerning invertebrates—many are lower oomycetes. Increasing