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Abstract: Bremia lactucae is one of the most important pathogens in lettuce production. Recent molecular studies revealed considerable genetic variation in this species complex. However, only few accessions from the same host have been examined for most species and no study investigating the morphological distinctiveness of phylogenetic lineages of Bremia has so far been reported. Thus it is believed that morphological species delimitation in Bremia is not feasible. In the present study, multiple accessions of neglected species, which had been described decades ago, but have not been widely accepted, were investigated, considering both multi-gene phylogenies and morphological characters. All previously described species from host genera other than Lactuca investigated, Bremia microspora, Bremia ovata, Bremia saussureae, and Bremia sonchicola, could be confirmed as distinct, host-specific entities. Also, morphological characteristics of their conidiophores and conidia allowed delimitation of these species. Therefore, not only the wide species concept to merge all Bremia species on the Asteraceae under B. lactucae is inappropriate but also their delimitation on the basis of morphological characters seems feasible. In addition, it has been shown that Bremia elliptica is phylogenetically distinct from the other species infecting the genus Lactuca, B. lactucae. It is therefore concluded that B. lactucae is most likely limited to Lactuca sativa and closely-related species, and that most species of Bremia are highly host specific. This finding might stimulate the search for durable resistance genes in genera closely related to the genus Lactuca and in divergent species of the genus itself. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The downy mildew pathogen of basil (Ocimum spp.) has caused considerable damage throughout the past five years, and an end to the epidemics is not in sight. The downy mildew of coleus (Solenostemon spp.) is just emerging and here we report that it was very recently introduced into Germany. Although it has been recognised that these pathogens are a major threat, the identity of the pathogens is still unresolved, and so it is difficult to devise quarantine measures against them. Using morphological comparison and molecular phylogenetic reconstructions we confirmed in this study that the downy mildews of basil and coleus are unrelated to Peronospora lamii, which is a common pathogen of the weed Lamium purpureum. In addition, we conclude by the investigation of the type specimen of P. swingleii and downy mildew specimens on Salvia officinalis that the newly occurring pathogens are not identical to P. swingleii on Salvia reflexa. The taxonomy of the downy mildew pathogens of hosts from the Lamiaceae and, in particular, from the tribes Mentheae and Elsholtzieae, is discussed, and a new species is described to accommodate the downy mildew pathogen of basil and coleus, which is the first downy mildew pathogen known to be parasitic to hosts of the tribe Ocimeae. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]