Double-stranded RNAs in Korean isolates of Rhizoctonia solani AG4

Eighty-one isolates of Rhizoctonia solani AG4 were obtained from soil samples with diverse geographic origins in Korea. Forty-five out of 81 isolates (56%) contained at least one dsRNA molecule with their sizes ranging from 2.3 to > 23.1 kb. Nine different sizes of dsRNA molecules were found and extensive variation in banding patterns was observed among isolates. By comparing the sizes and combinations of dsRNAs, 21 distinct banding patterns were observed. Cytoplasmic fractions from 3 isolates showed the same dsRNA band patterns as those from the total cell extracts. The dsRNAs were stable through 10 successive hyphal tip cultures and serial transfers onto the potato dextrose agar supplemented with cycloheximide or emetine. The presence or absence of dsRNAs was not apparently correlated with disease severity, phenol oxidase activity, and geographic origin.