and Species (Oomycota) Isolated from Freshwater Environments of Korea.

Oomycetes are widely distributed in various environments, including desert and polar regions. Depending upon different habits and hosts, they have evolved with both saprophytic and pathogenic nutritional modes. Freshwater ecosystem is one of the most important habitats for members of oomycetes. Most studies on oomycete diversity, however, have been biased mostly towards terrestrial phytopathogenic species, rather than aquatic species, although their roles as saprophytes and parasites are essential for freshwater ecosystems. In this study, we isolated oomycete strains from soil sediment, algae, and decaying plant debris in freshwater streams of Korea. The strains were identified based on cultural and morphological characteristics, as well as molecular phylogenetic analyses of ITS rDNA, 1, and 2 mtDNA sequences. As a result, we discovered eight oomycete species previously unknown in Korea, namely , , and . Diversity and ecology of freshwater oomycetes in Korea are poorly understood. This study could contribute to understand their distribution and ecological function in freshwater ecosystem.