The Hybrid Plant Pathogen Phytophthora andina
Author Information
Author(s): Goss Erica M., Cardenas Martha E., Myers Kevin, Forbes Gregory A., Fry William E., Restrepo Silvia, Grünwald Niklaus J.
Primary Institution: Horticultural Crops Research Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture
Hypothesis
Is Phytophthora andina a hybrid between P. infestans and another unknown Phytophthora species?
Conclusion
Phytophthora andina emerged via hybridization between P. infestans and an unknown closely related species.
Supporting Evidence
- Sequencing revealed two distinct haplotypes for each locus in P. andina.
- P. andina isolates had greater than seven times more heterozygous sites than P. infestans.
- Hybridization may facilitate adaptation to new environments by introducing genetic variation.
Takeaway
Scientists found that a plant disease called Phytophthora andina is a mix of two different germs, which helps it infect more plants.
Methodology
The study involved cloning four nuclear loci to obtain haplotypes and infer phylogenetic relationships.
Limitations
The unknown parent species of P. andina has not yet been collected.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.0001
Statistical Significance
p<0.0001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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