Pythium vs. Phytophthora — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 21, 2024
Pythium and Phytophthora are both genera of pathogenic oomycetes causing plant diseases, but Pythium often affects seedlings and roots, while Phytophthora commonly affects mature plants and causes more severe diseases like late blight.
Difference Between Pythium and Phytophthora
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Pythium and Phytophthora are both oomycetes, often referred to as water molds, that cause significant plant diseases. Pythium is primarily known for causing damping-off disease, which affects seedlings and can lead to root rot in various crops. Phytophthora, on the other hand, is responsible for more severe plant diseases, including the infamous late blight of potatoes and tomatoes, as well as sudden oak death. This genus affects mature plants, causing extensive damage to roots, stems, and leaves.
While both genera thrive in wet conditions, Phytophthora species are often more destructive, with a wider range of host plants and more severe impacts on plant health. Control methods for both involve improving drainage, reducing moisture levels, and using fungicides, though Phytophthora generally requires more stringent measures due to its severity.
Comparison Chart
Primary Host Impact
Seedlings, roots
Mature plants, roots, stems, leaves
Common Diseases
Damping-off, root rot
Late blight, sudden oak death
Severity of Impact
Generally less severe
Often very severe and economically damaging
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Environmental Conditions
Wet, poorly-drained soils
Wet conditions, broad environmental range
Control Methods
Improved drainage, fungicides, humidity control
More stringent measures, resistant cultivars, fungicides
Compare with Definitions
Pythium
A pathogen thriving in wet, poorly-drained soils.
Overwatering increases the risk of Pythium infection.
Phytophthora
A genus of aggressive plant pathogens causing severe diseases.
Phytophthora infestans is responsible for late blight.
Pythium
A genus of pathogenic oomycetes affecting plant roots and seedlings.
Pythium causes damping-off disease in young seedlings.
Phytophthora
An oomycete requiring stringent control measures.
Resistant plant varieties are key to managing Phytophthora diseases.
Pythium
An organism causing root rot in various crops.
Pythium root rot can devastate hydroponic systems.
Phytophthora
An organism affecting a wide range of host plants.
Phytophthora can infect potatoes, tomatoes, and oak trees.
Pythium
A cause of poor seedling emergence and growth.
Pythium can significantly reduce germination rates.
Phytophthora
A pathogen that thrives in wet conditions but can survive in various environments.
Proper water management is crucial to prevent Phytophthora.
Pythium
An oomycete that can be managed with fungicides.
Fungicidal treatments help control Pythium outbreaks.
Phytophthora
A cause of sudden oak death in forests.
Phytophthora ramorum has decimated oak populations.
Pythium
Pythium is a genus of parasitic oomycetes. They were formerly classified as fungi.
Phytophthora
Phytophthora (from Greek φυτόν (phytón), "plant" and φθορά (phthorá), "destruction"; "the plant-destroyer") is a genus of plant-damaging oomycetes (water molds), whose member species are capable of causing enormous economic losses on crops worldwide, as well as environmental damage in natural ecosystems. The cell wall of Phytophthora is made up of cellulose.
Pythium
Any fungus of the genus Pythium
Phytophthora
Any of many parasitic pseudofungi, of the genus Phytophthora, that cause brown rot in plants.
Phytophthora
Destructive parasitic fungi causing brown rot in plants
Common Curiosities
What are the main hosts affected by Pythium and Phytophthora?
Pythium mainly affects seedlings and roots, while Phytophthora affects mature plants, roots, stems, and leaves.
How does Phytophthora typically spread?
Phytophthora spreads through water, soil, and infected plant material.
Which diseases are caused by Pythium?
Pythium causes damping-off disease and root rot.
Which diseases are caused by Phytophthora?
Phytophthora causes late blight, sudden oak death, and various root rots.
How does Pythium typically spread?
Pythium spreads through waterlogged soils and high humidity environments.
Can Pythium cause significant economic losses?
Yes, especially in seedling production and hydroponic systems.
How can Phytophthora infections be controlled?
Stringent measures, resistant cultivars, and fungicides are required to control Phytophthora.
What environmental conditions favor Pythium?
Wet, poorly-drained soils favor Pythium.
How can Pythium infections be controlled?
Improved drainage, reduced watering, and fungicides help control Pythium.
Is Pythium or Phytophthora more likely to affect greenhouse plants?
Pythium is more common in greenhouse environments due to high humidity.
Can Pythium affect hydroponic systems?
Yes, Pythium can devastate hydroponic systems by causing root rot.
Are there resistant plant varieties available for Phytophthora?
Yes, developing and using resistant cultivars is a key strategy against Phytophthora.
Which genus is generally more severe in its impact on plants?
Phytophthora is generally more severe and economically damaging.
What environmental conditions favor Phytophthora?
Wet conditions favor Phytophthora, but it can survive in a range of environments.
Why is Phytophthora considered more destructive than Pythium?
Phytophthora affects a broader range of plants and causes more severe, widespread damage.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
