Genotypic diversity in a South African population of the pitch canker fungus Fusarium subglutinans f.sp. pini

Abstract

The genotypic diversity in a South African population of Fusarium subglutinans f.sp. pini (F.s. pini) was determined, based on the number of vegetative compatibility groups (VCGs). Isolates of F.s. pini from South Africa (69), California (five) and Florida (19) were included in the study. The nit1 (or nit3) and NitM mutants were selected as chlorate resistant sectors and paired on minimal medium. The South African isolates of F.s. pini were assigned to 23 different VCGs. No heterokaryons formed between isolates from South Africa, California and Florida. The high degree of genotypic diversity in the South African population of F.s. pini is probably due to some level of sexual reproduction in the population.