Effector that suppresses plant defense responses during the early stages of pathogen infection. Suppresses cell death induced by effectors and PAMPs in plant hosts (PubMed:21653195). Is able to induced cell death in tomato, tobacco, eggplant, and potato, but not in A.thaliana (PubMed:28134441). Interacts with and destabilizes host 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate synthases. By suppressing type2 ACS-catalyzed ethylene biosynthesis, Avh238 facilitates Phytophthora infection (PubMed:30394556). Interacts with host 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate synthases ACS1, ACS2, ACS3, ACS10 and ACS12. Avh238-triggered cell death requires nuclear localization whereas cytoplasmic localization of Avh238 is required for the suppression of INF1-induced cell death. Expression is strongly up-regulated during the early stages of infection. The RxLR-dEER motif acts to carry the protein into the host cell cytoplasm through binding to cell surface phosphatidylinositol-3-phosphate. Inhibits ethylene induction and promotes P.sojae infection in soybean. Avh238 is highly polymorphic among P.sojae isolates. Belongs to the RxLR effector family.