Foreword -- Progress and challenges in systematics of downy mildews and white blister rusts: new insights from genes and morphology -- Classical and molecular genetics of Bremia lactucae, cause of lettuce downy mildew -- Species hybrids in the genus Phytophthora with emphasis on the alder pathogen Phytophthora alni: a review -- Proteomic analysis of a compatible interaction between Pisum sativum (pea) and the downy mildew pathogen Peronospora viciae -- Tapping into molecular conversation between oomycete plant pathogens and their hosts -- Diversity of defence mechanisms in plant–oomycete interactions: a case study of Lactuca spp. and Bremia lactucae -- Natural history of Arabidopsis thaliana and oomycete symbioses -- Comparative epidemiology of zoosporic plant pathogens -- Structure and variation in the wild-plant pathosystem: Lactuca serriola–Bremia lactucae -- Development of detection systems for the sporangia of Peronospora destructor -- Fungicide modes of action and resistance in downy mildews -- Activity of carboxylic acid amide (CAA) fungicides against Bremia lactucae -- Beta-aminobutyric acid-induced resistance in grapevine against downy mildew: involvement of pterostilbene -- Effects of garlic (Allium sativum) juice containing allicin on Phytophthora infestans and downy mildew of cucumber caused by Pseudoperonospora cubensis.