| Abstract: | A variety of systems of designation has evolved to name pathotypes of plant pathogens. The systems were evaluated to determine those best suited for particular purposes. Virulence and avirulence/virulence formulae of pathotypes have advantage over the use of consecutive numbers or letters given in chronological order of pathotype discovery. As soon as pathotype information exceeds a certain level of complexity, mathematical codes are most advantageous, in particular two codes, octal notation and coded triplets. A more universal adoption of the most appropriate codes is recommended to ease communication and comparisons of results. |
