organisms with very distinct and interesting biology," said Maryanna Henkart, NSF's division director for Molecular and Cellular Biosciences. "These new genome sequences will contribute to our basic understanding of normal plant-microbe relationships as well as their roles in disease. Generating such fundamental knowledge is at the core of NSF's mission, and we are pleased to have played a role in promoting this important project."

DOE JGI, using the iterative whole-genome shotgun approach, generated nine-fold coverage of the 95 million nucleic acid bases, or units of the genetic code, of the P. sojae genome and seven-fold coverage of the 65-million-base P. ramorum genome.

The aptly named genus Phytophthora derives its moniker from the Greek words for "plant destroyer." Part of a fungus-like group of organisms known as oomycetes, or water molds, they are relatives of such aquatic algae as diatoms and kelp. The pathogens survive as thick-walled spores that can persist in soil for years. Of the 59 recognized Phytophthora species, it was P. infestans that was responsible for the mid-19th century Irish potato famine.

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Contact: David Gilbert
gilbert21@llnl.gov
925-296-5643
DOE/Joint Genome Institute
31-Aug-2006

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