Albugo

Genus of water moulds

Albugo is a genus of oomycetes, commonly known as water moulds, which are pathogenic to plants. These organisms are responsible for the disease known as white rust, which affects a variety of plant species, particularly those in the Brassicaceae family. Albugo species are obligate parasites, meaning they require a living host to complete their life cycle.

Morphology

Albugo species produce characteristic white pustules on the surface of infected plant tissues. These pustules are composed of sporangia, which are asexual reproductive structures. The sporangia are released from the pustules and can be dispersed by wind or water to infect new host plants. The mycelium of Albugo grows intercellularly within the host tissue, extracting nutrients and causing disease symptoms.

Life Cycle

The life cycle of Albugo includes both asexual and sexual reproduction. Asexually, the organism produces sporangia that germinate to form zoospores, which are motile and can swim to infect new host tissues. Sexually, Albugo forms oospores, which are thick-walled resting spores that can survive adverse environmental conditions. Oospores germinate to produce new mycelium when conditions become favorable.

Pathogenicity

Albugo species are known to infect a wide range of host plants, causing significant agricultural damage. The most well-known species, Albugo candida, infects cruciferous plants, including cabbage, mustard, and radish. Infected plants exhibit white pustules on leaves, stems, and flowers, leading to reduced photosynthesis, stunted growth, and decreased yield.

Control Measures

Managing Albugo infections involves cultural, chemical, and biological control methods. Crop rotation and removal of infected plant debris can reduce the incidence of disease. Fungicides may be used to protect plants, although resistance can develop. Biological control using antagonistic microorganisms is an area of ongoing research.

Related pages

• Oomycete
• Plant pathology
• Brassicaceae
• Fungicide

Gallery

• 
  Albugo candida on a plant
• 
  White rust symptoms on a leaf