Nine Phytophthora isolates from cassava (Manihot esculenta) were characterized based on morphology and morphometry of propagative structures, growth at 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 and 35 ºC, and by evaluating its pathogenicity. Sporangia produced on nonsterile soil extract were ovoid, nonpapillate and persistent, formed in a sympodium or unbranched sporangiophores, 24.6 to 57.4 µm long x 14.8 to 37.7 µm wide, and length-breadth ratio was 1.0 - 2.6. Chlamydospores were rarely observed. Oospores produced in single spore culture on V8 agar medium were aplerotic, and 13.1 to 34.4 µm in diameter. Antheridia were amphigynous, measuring 8.2 - 24.6 µ x 8.2 - 19.7 µ ; oogonia ranged from 19.7 to 41.0 µm in diameter. Culture growth was greatest at 25 ºC in V8 agar medium. The isolates that were pathogenic to plants and detached roots of cassava were identified as Phytophthora drechsleri Tucker.
taxonomy; Manihot esculenta
