1. Spongospora subterranea f.sp. subterranea is a soil-borne protist pathogen that causes powdery scab disease in potato and tomato plants. It has a worldwide distribution.
2. The pathogen has an obligate biotrophic relationship with its host plants. Its life cycle involves the formation of resting spores in plant roots that release zoospores to infect new roots.
3. Infection leads to abnormal root tissues and above-ground symptoms like wilting, discoloration, and reduced yield. The pathogen poses an economic threat to potato production.