Achilles' heel of Grapevine Downy Mildew - The Contractile Vacuole as Target for Potential Control Strategies in Viticulture

Downy Mildew (DM) is a major disease in viticulture since the 19th century, caused by the plant parasitic oomycete Plasmopara viticola, which has algal ancestors. Different microscopy techniques in this study illustrate the importance and fragility of the contractile vacuole in zoospores. Ecologically friendly DM control can be achieved with glycyrrhizin or the root extract of G. glabra, both inhibiting the contractile vacuole resulting in burst or premature encystment.