Oomycetes form a deep lineage of eukaryotic organisms that includes a large number of plant pathogens which threaten natural and managed ecosystems.
We undertook a survey to query the community for their ranking of plant-pathogenic oomycete species based on scientific and economic importance.
In total, we received 263 votes from 62 scientists in 15 countries for a total of 33 species. The Top 10 species and their ranking are:
(1) Phytophthora infestans;
(2) Hyaloperonospora arabidopsidis;
(3) Phytophthora ramorum;
(4) Phytophthora sojae;
(5) Phytophthora capsici;
(6) Plasmopara viticola;
(7) Phytophthora cinnamomi;
(8) Phytophthora parasitica;
(9) Pythium ultimum;
(10) Albugo candida.
This article provides an introduction to these 10 taxa and a snapshot of current research. We hope that the list will serve as a benchmark for future trends in oomycete research.
