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Regional and Temporal Population Structure of Pseudoperonospora cubensis in Michigan and Ontario

R P Naegele1, L M Quesada-Ocampo1, J D Kurjan1

  • 1First, third, and fifth authors: Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing; second author: Department of Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh; and fourth author: Canadian Tobacco Research Foundation, Tillonsburg, Ontario, Canada.

Phytopathology
|January 7, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Cucurbit downy mildew (CDM) populations in Michigan and Ontario show high genetic diversity. Analysis revealed distinct genetic clusters, with a unique cluster identified in Michigan, highlighting regional pathogen variations.

Area of Science:

  • Plant Pathology
  • Genetics
  • Oomycete Biology

Background:

  • Cucurbit downy mildew (CDM), caused by Pseudoperonospora cubensis, is a significant global threat to cucurbit crops.
  • The pathogen is wind-dispersed and does not overwinter in northern regions, with new introductions occurring throughout the growing season.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the regional and temporal population structure of Pseudoperonospora cubensis in Michigan and Ontario.
  • To assess the genetic diversity and population differentiation of P. cubensis isolates.

Main Methods:

  • Sporangia were collected from CDM lesions on cucurbit foliage in Michigan and Ontario field locations during 2011.
  • Population structure and genetic diversity were analyzed in 257 isolates using nine simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers.

Main Results:

  • High genetic diversity was observed in both Michigan (0.6627) and Canadian (0.6131) P. cubensis populations.
  • Five distinct genetic clusters were identified, with population structure varying by location and sampling date.
  • Significant genetic differentiation was found between Michigan and Canadian populations, and a unique genetic cluster was specific to Michigan.

Conclusions:

  • Pseudoperonospora cubensis populations in Michigan and Ontario exhibit substantial genetic diversity and distinct regional structures.
  • The presence of a unique genetic cluster in Michigan suggests localized introductions or adaptation.
  • Understanding population dynamics is crucial for managing CDM effectively in cucurbit production systems.

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