Key events in pathogenesis of spongospora diseases in potato: a review

Spongospora subterranea (Wallr.) Lagerh. is the causative agent of powdery scab and root diseases of potato. Diseases induced by S. subterranea causes substantial economic losses to the global potato industry. The process of disease development in the S. subterranea-potato pathosystem have long been studied, but critical events prior to infection and disease development remain poorly understood because the subject have received relatively little attention. Nonetheless, new knowledge of host-pathogen-environment interactions have been gained in recent years. This paper provides the current knowledge of the key events which leads to the development of potato diseases caused by S. subterranea and highlights future research to address identified knowledge gaps. This will further our understanding of the interactions between S. subterranea and its potato host and contribute to improved disease control measures.