phytophthora

[fahy-tuh-f-thawr-uh]

phytophthora Definition

any of several funguslike organisms of the genus Phytophthora, some species of which are pathogenic to plants and can cause serious damage to crops.

Using phytophthora: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "phytophthora" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    Phytophthora infestans is the pathogen responsible for the Irish potato famine.

  • Example

    The nursery had to destroy all their plants due to a phytophthora outbreak.

  • Example

    Phytophthora ramorum causes sudden oak death in trees.

Phrases with phytophthora

  • a disease that affects potatoes and tomatoes, causing rot and decay of the plant tissue

    Example

    The Irish potato famine was caused by the late blight disease caused by Phytophthora infestans.

  • a disease that affects oak trees, causing wilting and death of the tree

    Example

    The sudden oak death disease caused by Phytophthora ramorum has devastated many oak forests in California.

  • a disease that affects the roots of plants, causing them to rot and die

    Example

    Phytophthora root rot is a common problem in poorly drained soils.

Origins of phytophthora

from Greek 'phyto-' meaning 'plant' and 'phthora' meaning 'destruction'

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Summary: phytophthora in Brief

The term 'phytophthora' [fahy-tuh-f-thawr-uh] refers to a group of fungus-like organisms that can cause serious damage to crops and plants. Some species of Phytophthora are responsible for diseases like late blight and sudden oak death. Phytophthora root rot is another common problem caused by this organism.