Irish potato famine

Definition

The Irish Potato Famine (1845-1852) was a period of mass starvation and disease in Ireland caused by the failure of the potato crop, which was heavily relied upon as a food source. The crop failure was due to an infection by the water mold Phytophthora infestans.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Phytophthora infestans is a type of unicellular eukaryotic parasite known as an oomycete.
2. Phytophthora infestans causes late blight, which leads to the rapid decay of potato plants and tubers.
3. The spread of Phytophthora infestans during the Irish Potato Famine resulted in over one million deaths due to starvation and associated diseases.
4. The organism reproduces both sexually and asexually, producing spores that can survive in soil and plant debris over winters.
5. Understanding the biology of Phytophthora infestans has been crucial in developing disease-resistant potato varieties.

Review Questions

• What type of organism caused the Irish Potato Famine?
• How does Phytophthora infestans affect potato plants?
• Why is Phytophthora infestans considered a significant study subject in microbiology?

Related terms

Oomycete: A group of fungi-like organisms that includes pathogens causing serious plant diseases.

Late Blight: A disease affecting potatoes and tomatoes, characterized by rapid plant decay.

Sporangium: A structure where spores are produced, particularly relevant for organisms like Phytophthora infestans.