Term: Phytophthora

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This disease, whose name means “plant destroyer” in Greek, is a host-specific parasite that can do massive damage to cultivated plant populations. A species of phytophthera actually caused the Great Potato Famine in Ireland in the 19th century and preys on tomato and potato crops today. Other species infect different plants and are generally difficult to control. The major management strategy against this disease is through cultivating disease-resistant cultivars.

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