Phytophthora cinnamomi
| Phytophthora cinnamomi | |
|---|---|
| A: seven-day-old colony on PARP medium; B: sporangia; C: gametangia; D: oospore. | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Clade: | Diaphoretickes |
| Clade: | Sar |
| Clade: | Stramenopiles |
| Class: | Oomycetes |
| Order: | Peronosporales |
| Family: | Peronosporaceae |
| Genus: | Phytophthora |
| Species: | P. cinnamomi |
| Binomial name | |
| Phytophthora cinnamomi | |
| Varieties | |
| |
Phytophthora cinnamomi, also known as cinnamon fungus, is a soil-borne water mould that produces an infection which causes a condition in plants variously called "dieback", "root rot", or (in certain Castanea species), "ink disease".
Once infected soil or water is introduced, the organism can spread rapidly throughout an environment. An infestation can lead to the illness, death, and possible eradication of vulnerable plants, as well as habitat reduction for animals. An outbreak can be challenging to recognize and can inflict irreversible harm to ecosystems.
The plant pathogen is one of the world's most invasive species and is present in over 70 countries around the world.