Knowledge of downy mildew pathogens and diseases has increased significantly in taxonomy, phylogeny, genetics, molecular biology, host-parasite interactions, ecology, epidemiology and control. The opportunity to update comprehensively the major advances in these areas was created by the 2nd International Symposium on Downy Mildews held in July 2007 at Olomouc (Czech Republic). Keynote contributions from this meeting are published here in 14 chapters that provide the most authoritative and recent analysis of these biotrophic plant pathogens and their interactions with plants. It will be an invaluable resource to students and researchers in plant pathology, mycology, taxonomy, plant biology and crop protection.

The book is focused on the most recent and significant advances in research on downy mildews and related oomycete pathogens. The emphasis is on the biology of downy mildews, mechanisms of resistance in host- and non-host parasite interactions, population ecology and epidemiology, chemical control and fungicide resistance. The chapters are written by leading international experts on various aspects of downy mildews. All contributions are either comprehensive critical reviews or original research papers, and cover the most relevant and recent topics related to these biotrophic plant pathogens. The recent Special Issue is a continuation of previous one published by Springer in 2008.

P. T. N. SPENCER-PHILLIPS Co-ordinator, Downy Mildew Working Group of the International Society for Plant Pathology University of the West of England, Coldharbour Lane, Bristol BS16 1QY, UK Email: [email protected] It is a very great privilege to write the preface to the first specialist book on downy mildews since the major work edited by D. M. Spencer in 1981. The idea for the present publication arose from the Downy Mildew Workshop at the International Congress of Plant Pathology (ICPP) held in Edinburgh in August 1998. Our intention was to invite reviews on selected aspects of downy mildew biology from international authorities, and link these to a series of related short contributions reporting new data. No attempt has been made to cover the breadth of downy mildew research, but we hope that further topics will be included in future volumes, so that this becomes the first of a series following the five year ICPP cycle.

This book brings together the knowledge from and tools for genetic and genomic research into oomycetes to help solve the problems this pathogen poses to crops and animals. Armed with the information presented here, researchers can use oomycete data to solve practical problems and gain insight into future areas of interest. Key Features: Offers an up-to-date coverage of research into oomycetes – which has advanced with biochemical and molecular analyses in recent years Helps researchers use oomycete data to solve practical problems, like damage to crop and animal resources Includes a section on interactions with animal hosts Offers perspective on future areas of research Assembles an international author base

Emphasis in this second volume of Advances in Downy Mildew Research is on the biology of compatible interactions, forecasting and epidemiology, host specialisation, genetic variability amongst pathogen populations, novel methods for detection and systematics, and induced resistance. Two chapters focus on the related oomycete Albugo candida, which shares many pathogenic characteristics with the downy mildews and provides a valuable comparative pathosystem. Contributions on specific downy mildews include Bremia lactucae, Peronospora destructor, Peronospora sparsa, Peronospora viciae, Plasmopara halstedii, Plasmopara viticola, Pseudoperonospora cubensis and Sclerospora graminicola. Review chapters on compatibility, forecasting and systematics consider a broader range of downy mildew fungi, and compare them with other oomycete and biotrophic pathogens. The book is relevant to anyone with an interest in these unique biotrophic pathogens, either in their own right as causes of damaging diseases or as model systems for research on host-pathogen interactions. It should be read by: students, teachers and researchers in academic and research institutes; research and development personnel in the agrochemical industries; agricultural and horticultural advisers, and other extension workers.

This new edition of The Fungi provides a comprehensive introduction to the importance of fungi in the natural world and in practical applications, from a microbiological perspective.