Review: Devastating intimacy: the cell biology of plant–Phytophthora interactions (New Phytol)

Phytophthora are plant-destroying oomycetes. Within this genus are several infamous disease-causing agents: P. infestans of the potato late-blight fame, P. sojae of soybean root rot, P. ramorum of sudden oak death, and many other lesser-known species. This fine new review by Boevink et al. explores the cellular interface between host and Phytophthora pathogens. One of the strengths of the review is that it derives insights from across the genus, highlighting the span of tools and strategies used by these pathogens, and also looks at the cell biology of both pathogen and plant host in determining success or failure of the outcome. The review also highlights both knowns and unknowns in each step of the infection process, and would be excellent reading for anyone interested in an overview of the fascinating cell-biology of this interaction. New Phytol. 10.1111/nph.16650  (Summary by Mary Williams @PlantTeaching)