Phytophthora palmivora
Phytophthora palmivora is a water mold that causes diseases in various plants, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. It is known for affecting crops like cocoa, oil palm, and citrus, leading to significant agricultural losses. The pathogen thrives in moist environments and can spread rapidly through soil and water.
This organism is a member of the Oomycetes group, which are similar to fungi but have distinct biological characteristics. Infected plants may show symptoms such as wilting, yellowing leaves, and root rot. Effective management strategies include proper drainage, resistant plant varieties, and fungicide applications.