Vegetative compatibility tests and random amplification of polymorphic DNA (RAPD) were used to assess genetic relationships amongst 54 strains of Fusarium poae obtained from various geographical regions. Twenty-seven strains were assigned to eight multiple member vegetative compatibility groups (VCGs), while the other 27 isolates were found to form single-member VCGs. There was a partial correlation between VCG and geographical origin, but the relationship was not always clear. However, no correlation was observed between the VCG and the host plant of origin. RAPD patterns were closely associated with VCGs in all cases. Members of VCGs that were interconnected by bridging isolates formed common branches in the phenogram constructed on the basis of the RAPD patterns, while strains that belonged to single-member VCGs were scattered throughout the phenogram. These data demonstrate that the combination of traditional and molecular methodologies allows reliable intraspecific subdivisions in an asexual fungus, which is a secondary invader of a wide range of host plants, and so has never been subject to the intense selection pressure of a single host species and lacks pathogenic subgroups.
Thirty-four strains of seven species of Trichoderma isolated from various fungal sources were compared for direct mycoparasitic activity (MPA), chitinase production and antibiotic activity (ANA) in order to choose the most appropriate partners for a strain-breeding programme. Within species genetic differences were also assesses in T. hamatum, T. harzianum and T. viride by means of random amplification of polymorphic DNA (RAPD). Endochitinase activities of the Trichoderma strains ranged between 20.4 and 1264.5 units/g dry weight of mycelium. The correlation between MPA and chitinase activity was not unambiguous and no correlation existed between MPA and ANA. The RAPD patterns of T. viride strains were highly variable, while isolates of T. harzianum proved to be more uniform; T. hamatum revealed remarkable intraspecific divergence. All these three comprised certain pairs of strains that are promising participants of a strain-improving programme, since their strong genetic affinities offer good changes for combining their contrasted biocontrol traits.
Fig. 3 Bisbibenzyl content of axenic cultures from different collecting sites and comparison of differentiated and dedifferentiated cultures. high marchantin A content immediately after subculturing (Fig. 2 B). This indicates accumulation of marchantin A to be inversely correlated with the presence of nitrate in the medium. Three different axenic cultures ("Heidelberg", "Bdrfink", "Dietrichingen"), grown under the same conditions show quantitatively and qualitatively different bisbibenzyl patterns (Fig. 3). This reflects the chemical variation of the original plants. Furthermore, the five investigated bisbibenzyls could be found in similar amounts in dedifferentiated cultures (Fig. 3). References
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