Potato Late Blight The Disease Cycle of Phytophthora infestans (DVD Video)

Late blight caused by the oomycete Phytophthora infestans is the most serious disease of potato crops worldwide. As a major culprit of the Irish potato famine in the mid-nineteenth century, late blight has had a tremendous effect on human history. Elucidation of the life cycle of P. infestans by German botanist Anton de Bary is claimed as a founding moment of modern plant pathology. Using computer animations blended with real video shots and time lapse photography, this teaching video impressively illustrates the life cycle of P. infestans–thus leading to a better understanding of the development and epidemiological spread of this fungal-like pathogen. All stages of the disease cycle are explained in detail and will give your students and extension audiences a clear understanding of the nature of this disease including coverage in these areas: Asexual Reproduction: Infected tubers as a source of inoculum. Transmission of mycelium to seedling. Formation of sporangiophores on leaves. Detachment and spread of sporangia. Direct and indirect germination. Zoospore production and release. Zoospore locomotion and encystment. Leaf infection and mycelial growth. Secondary sporulation and spread of disease Infection of tubers. Sexual Reproduction: A1 and A2 (opposite) mating types. Formation of male and female gametangia. Penetration of antheridium by oogonial initial. Expansion of oogonium. Meiosis and fertilization. Formation of thick-walled oospore. Dormancy period in soil.Germination of activated oospore. Release of zoospores.