The Fossil Record of the Peronosporomycetes (Oomycota)

Abstract

Evidence of fossil Peronosporomycetes has been slow to accumulate. In this review various fossils historically assigned to the Peronosporomycetes are discussed briefly and an explanation is provided as to why the fossil record of this group has remained inconsistent. In recent years there have been several new reports of fossil peronosporomycetes based on structurally preserved oogonium-antheridium complexes from Devonian and Carboniferous rocks that demonstrate the existence of these organisms as fossils and refute the long-standing assumption that they are too delicate to be preserved. Among these are several types characterized by oogonial surface ornamentation patterns not seen in any modern members of the group. To date at least three groups of fossil vascular plants (i.e. lycophytes, ferns and seed ferns) are known to host peronosporomycetes as endophytes; however only one form has been identified as a parasite.