Definition

Noun: 1. A family of parasitic fungi: Family Peronosporaceae is the scientific name for a taxonomic family of fungus-like organisms in the order Peronosporales. These organisms are obligate parasites, meaning they require a living host plant to grow and complete their life cycle. They are commonly known as the downy mildews.

Usage Notes

• The term "Family Peronosporaceae" is primarily used in scientific, botanical, mycological, and agricultural contexts.
• It is a formal taxonomic designation. In non-scientific writing, the common name "downy mildews" is typically used.
• It is treated as a singular collective noun (e.g., "The family Peronosporaceae contains many species").

Examples of Usage

• Scientific Context:
  • Several important plant pathogens belong to the family Peronosporaceae.
  • The study focused on the evolutionary history of the family Peronosporaceae.
• Agricultural Context:
  • Crops like grapes and lettuce are susceptible to diseases caused by members of the family Peronosporaceae.

Advanced Usage

• Taxonomic Hierarchy: The term is used within the framework of biological classification. For example: Kingdom: Chromista; Phylum: Oomycota; Class: Oomycetes; Order: Peronosporales; Family: Peronosporaceae.
• As a Modifier: It can be used adjectivally in compound terms to specify a type of downy mildew.
  • A Peronosporaceae infection was confirmed in the vineyard.

Variants and Related Words

• Peronosporaceous (adj): Of or relating to the family Peronosporaceae.
  • The peronosporaceous pathogen spreads rapidly under humid conditions.
• Downy mildew (n, common name): The common term for diseases caused by organisms in this family.
  • The cucumber plants showed signs of downy mildew.

Synonyms

• Downy mildews (common name, plural)

Related Terms & Concepts

• Oomycete: The larger class of water molds to which this family belongs. They are fungus-like but biologically distinct from true fungi.
• Obligate parasite: An organism that cannot complete its life cycle without exploiting a suitable host.
• Peronospora: A prominent genus within the Peronosporaceae family.
• Plasmopara: Another significant genus within this family.
• White rust: A common name for diseases caused by the related family Albuginaceae, often discussed alongside downy mildews.

Noun

1. parasitic fungi: downy mildews