简介

Research Specialization - Oomycetes are unique microscopic organisms that are traditionally regarded as fungi. However, despite their superficial similarity they are no more closely related to fungi than are higher plants or animals. Their closest kin are diatoms and giant kelp. The most important genera in the Oomycetes are Pythium and Phytophthora. For over 30 years I have conducted research on many species of Phytophthora including the infamous species P. infestans that attacks potato and tomato causing the devastating disease known as Late Blight. Research on this species has led me to the Andes in search of resistant plants among the wild species and to Russia where currently Late Blight destroys over half their most important potato crop. Another very important Phytophthora species is P. palmivora which attacks tropical crops including coconut, cacao and durian. My research on this species has taken me to Southeast Asia in cooperative programs with International organizations such as the UN/FAO and IAEA. But Oomycetes are more than destructive plant pathogens they are important components of the biosphere in soils, water and marine estuaries. It is this aspect of their biology that has increasingly attracted my interest. In an expedition to the Amazon rainforest I have collected specimens from soil and water and over the years have accumulated a collections of the Halophytophthora species inhabiting marine environments. Thus Oomycetes, besides their great importance as destructive plant pathogens, occupy diverse niches and their evolution, basic biology and fundamental role in the natural environment awaits further exciting and extensive exploration. This is my research world!