Ecological diversity and economical importance of species from Aphanomyces genus

Species from Aphanomyces genus were investigated in 225 limnologically and trophically different water bodies (springs, rivers, ponds and lakes) as well as in humid soils of northeastern Poland. Distribution of particular species and their role in diverse ecosystems has been investigated. Thirty taxa, including: 2 species of cultivated parasitic plants, 3 species of parasitic animals, 6 saprotrophic species and 5 species of saprotrophic/ opportunistic species were recorded. Some of Aphanomyces species occurred also as parasites of algae, straminipiles and invertebrates. Among parasitic species: A. cochlioides, A. euteiches (cultivated plant parasite), A. astaci (crayfish parasite), A. piscicida (fish parasite) playing economically important role were found. Amino acid, carbohydrate and urease assimilation tests were used.