It offers experimental tips for choice and preparation of selective media, isolation and culturing basic methods for morphological identification DNA isolation different market loci, DNA sequence and gel based identification separation of subpopulations genus and species-specific diagnostic markers, isozyme analysis protein profiles basics of whole genome sequence analyses and identification markers of exotic Phytophthora species. This practical guide aimed at serving the needs of post graduate research students plant pathologists molecular biologists and biotechnologists and disease diagnosticians in plant quarantine laboratories for resolving issues related to management of devastating plant pathogen phytophthora.

Contents: 1. The genus phytophthora. 2. Evolutionary placement. 3. Biology and life cycle. 4. Phytophthora systematics. 5. Differences between pythium and phytophora. 6. Disease symptoms. 7. Sample collection. 8. Float incubation diagnostic assay for differentiation of Phytophthora and pythium. 9. Isolation. 10. Selective isolation media. 11. Basal growth media. 12. Morphological identification. 13. Storage of the cultures. 14. Metalaxyl resistance determination. 15. Plant inoculation assays. 16. Taxonomic keys. 17. Terminology. 18. Molecular identification. 19. Identification of sub populations. 20. Genus specific diagnostic markers. 21. Species specific diagnostic markers. 22. Isozyme analysis. 23. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of proteins. 24. Protocol for detection of phytophthora Ramorum. Appendices. References.