The mycelial growth of Pythium graminicola, P. ultimum, P. rostratum was best at -3 osmotic potential. P. monospermum was best grown at -8 bars osmotic potential. Mycelial growth by Pythium spp. was prevented at -42 bars for P. graminicola, P. ultimum and P. monospermum. Sporangial formation by P. graminicola and P. ultimum was influenced by water potential in much the same way as mycelial growth: -3 bars was maximum and -42 bars or below was minimal. Pythium spp. tested was grown faster on PDA than other media including oat meal agar. P. ultimum was best grown on any media among Pythium spp. tested.