Survey of Pythium sensu lato species in water used to supply hydroponic cultures in the metropolitan region of São Paulo

Abstract

Among the zoosporic organisms, the genus Pythium is considered an important genus especially due its high parasitic potential in many plant species of high economic value, causing rot of root, stems, fruit and other damage. In hydroponic cultivation, Pythium spp. have been reported as the most important pathogen, especially during warm seasons. With the establishment of the hydroponic cultivation in São Paulo area and its economic impact to this region, studies that direct or indirectly contribute to the development of this practice are essential. In this way, due to the importance of the genus Pythium, the low number of studies focusing on diversity of Pythium species in hydroponic systems in Brazil and the importance of the hydroponic sector to the country, especially to the São Paulo State, the aim of this project is to do a survey of Pythium spp. in water used to supply hydroponic cultivation in the metropolitan region of São Paulo in order to support future studies that can establish ways to prevent and control the diseases caused by this pathogen. (AU)