A method has been developed for the preparation of zoospores from Phytophthora palmivora which allows the ionic composition of the suspension medium to be closely controlled. Sub-micromolar concentrations of calcium ions have been shown to play a key role in maintaining the zoospore state and in the transition to the cyst stage. Restriction of free Ca2+ to between 0.2 and 1 μM resulted in zoospores which could be maintained for several hours before they finally encysted and germinated. When exposed to citrus-pectin, or 3 mM SrCl2, or to vigorous shaking, these zoospores underwent rapid synchronous encystment. At free Ca2+ concentrations below 0.1 μM, zoospores lysed slowly. If exposed to inducers of encystment before lysis had occurred, the zoospores failed to respond to pectin or to vigorous shaking. However, they did differentiate in response to SrCl2 addition. Provided the free Ca2+ was maintained between 0.02 and 0.2 μM, zoospores survived gentle centrifugation, a procedure which previously had resulted in encystment.