Biology and ecology of biofilms formed by a plant pathogen Phytophthora parasitica: From biochemical ecology to ecological engineering

In nature, the organisation of microbial species into biofilms has a great influence on local environments and in human or plant diseases. This important trait of prokaryotes and eukaryotes is poorly understood while the knowledge of the related biological processes could constitute a novel base for controlling diseases. A study is developed on the oomycete Phytophthora parasitica belonging to a major class of eukaryotic plant pathogens to understand molecular and ecological basis of biofilm formation. The identification of signalling molecules and the definition of their spectrum of activity within the biofilm community will improve our understanding of fundamental biological processes, our ability to forecast pathogen behaviour and to elaborate new tools dedicated to plant diseases management with low environmental impact.