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Simple sequence repeat markers distinguish among morphotypes of Sphaeropsis sapinea
T Burgess1, M J Wingfield, B W Wingfield
1Forestry and Agriculture Biotechnology Institute, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, Republic of South Africa. treena.burgess@fabi.up.ac.za
Applied and Environmental Microbiology
|January 3, 2001
Summary
This study developed new molecular markers to differentiate fungal Sphaeropsis sapinea morphotypes. These short-sequence-repeat (SSR) markers revealed genetic diversity and relationships among S. sapinea populations.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Plant Pathology
- Molecular Biology
- Population Genetics
Background:
- Sphaeropsis sapinea is a fungal endophyte of Pinus species, causing disease under stress.
- Four morphotypes of S. sapinea exist naturally, but only one is found on exotic pines.
- Distinguishing these morphotypes is crucial for taxonomic and population studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop robust polymorphic markers for Sphaeropsis sapinea.
- To facilitate taxonomic and population genetic studies of S. sapinea.
Main Methods:
- Utilized inter-short-sequence-repeat (SSR) primers with microsatellite sequences and degenerate anchors.
- Targeted microsatellite-rich regions in S. sapinea isolates for PCR amplification.
- Designed new SSR primer pairs based on cloned and sequenced PCR products.
Main Results:
- Eleven polymorphic SSR markers successfully distinguished three S. sapinea morphotypes (A, B, C).
- The putative I morphotype was identified as identical to Botryosphaeria obtusa.
- Morphotype C showed closer relation to A than B; Morphotype B exhibited highest genetic diversity and geographic structuring.
Conclusions:
- Developed effective SSR markers for S. sapinea taxonomy and population analysis.
- Clarified relationships among S. sapinea morphotypes and their genetic diversity.
- Highlighted the utility of SSR markers in understanding fungal population structure.