We present the results of a Bayesian phylogenetic analysis of parts of the nuclear 28S rDNA of a representative sample of the Peronosporales. Peronospora s.l. is shown to be paraphyletic. Based on molecular and morphological evidence, several species of the genus Peronospora are transferred to Hyaloperonospora. Plasmopara oplismeni appears to be related only distantly to the other Plasmopara species, and is transferred to the new genus Viennotia based on molecular, morphological, and ecological evidence. The remaining Plasmopara species are likely to be paraphyletic with respect to Bremia, Paraperonospora, and Basidiophora. Phytophthora is shown to be paraphyletic with respect to the obligatory biotrophic genera. Evidence for the assumption that obligatory biotrophism arose independently at least twice in Peronosporales is demonstrated.Key words: LSU rDNA, Straminipila, Peronosporomycetes, Peronosporales, downy mildews, Bayesian phylogenetic analysis.