Electrophoretic karyotype of Cercospora kikuchii

Classical genetic analyses are not possible with the phytopathogenic fungus Cercospora kikuchii since no sexual stage has been identified. To facilitate gene mapping and to develop an understanding of the genome organization of C. kikuchii, an electrophoretic karyotype has been obtained using contour-clamped homogeneous electric field gel electrophoresis (CHEF). Eight chromosomes, two of which migrate as a doublet, have been separated into seven bands ranging from 2.0 to 5.5 Mb. Using this determination of chromosome number and size, the total genome size of C. kikuchii is estimated to be 28.4 Mb. In addition, genes encoding tubulin, ribosomal DNA, and four previously isolated light-enhanced cDNAs from C. kikuchii were assigned to chromosomes by Southern-hybridization analysis of CHEF blots.