Phytophthora austrocedrae sp. nov., a new species associated with Austrocedrus chilensis mortality in Patagonia (Argentina).

Phytophthora austrocedrae is a new species isolated from necrotic lesions of stem and roots of Austrocedrus chilensis. It is a homothallic species characterized by semipapillate sporangia, oogonia with amphigynous antheridia, and very slow growth (1-2 mm d(-1) on V-8 agar at 17.5 degrees C optimum temperature). Phylogenetic analysis of ITS rDNA sequence indicates that its closest relative is Phytophthora syringae, another species frequently isolated from soil and streams in A. chilensis forests.