A genus of parasitic fungi that causes downy mildew, particularly on lettuce and other leafy vegetables.
From Modern Latin, likely derived from a European language root referring to mildew or fungal disease. The term was formalized in scientific taxonomy during the 19th century to classify this specific pathogenic fungus.
Bremia lactucae is one of the most economically important plant pathogens worldwide, costing farmers millions in crop losses annually—it's essentially a plant parasite that scientists have been trying to outsmart for over a century through selective breeding.
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