Late blight or potato disease appeared in the early 40s of the nineteenth century. It was first registered in 1844. In the history of late blight, there were two waves of migration from Mexico to other areas. The first, in the nineteenth century. - this is an accidental introduction of one (or several strains) that caused the epidemics of the 40s in Europe. The second wave dates back to the 80s.
The valleys in the mountains of Mexico are considered the birthplace of potato phytophthora, where many wild nightshade species (including tuber-forming ones) grow.
In general, the study of the biology of the fungus Phytophthora infestans (Mont.) de Bary began at the end of the 19th century. In Russia, professors S. I. Rostovtsev and L. I. Kursanov were among the first to contribute to the study of this fungus. The first wrote a large monograph on downy mildews and their pathogens - peronospore fungi. Among them, he considered P. infestans.
Serious changes in the biology of the pathogen that occurred at the end of the XNUMXth century led to an increase in its ecological plasticity, adaptability and aggressive properties. "New" population P. infestans includes both types of sexual compatibility - A1 and A2. Previously, A2 type was found only in Central Mexico, which is considered the center of origin P. infestans. The "new" populations acquired the ability to reproduce sexually. As a result, the recombination frequency increased P. infestans, and it became possible to form sexual resting spores - oospores, capable of overwintering in the soil on plant debris. The modern population differs from the "old" one in higher genetic diversity and is represented mainly by complex races.
Tubers infected with phytophthora are short-lived in winter; dry rot quickly develops on such tubers and phytophthora rot becomes little noticeable. The main source of phytophthora are infected tubers used as planting material and diseased tubers in the field after harvest.
List of sources used:
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