DNA amplification polymorphisms of Mucor piriformis
T Papp1, C Vágvölgyi, Z Kerényi
1Department of Microbiology, Attila József University, Szeged, Hungary.
Abstract:
Mucor piriformis can cause postharvest decay in various fruits and vegetables stored at low temperatures. Thirty isolates of this fungus, collected from infected fruit, were subjected to random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis. Seven different 10-bp primers were used to determine the type and extent of intraspecific genetic polymorphisms. Nineteen composite amplification types were identified, indicating a higher degree of variability than found in previous isoenzyme studies. Numerical analysis with the UPGMA technique revealed three clusters, which correlated with the mating competency of the isolates or their place of origin. These results demonstrate that RAPD analysis can identify isolates and subspecific populations of M. piriformis.
Insights
Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis revealed significant genetic diversity within Mucor piriformis, a fungus causing postharvest decay. This molecular technique effectively identified distinct fungal populations, aiding in understanding disease spread and management.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Plant Pathology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Mucor piriformis is a fungal pathogen responsible for significant postharvest decay in fruits and vegetables, particularly under refrigerated storage conditions.
- Understanding the genetic diversity of M. piriformis is crucial for developing effective disease management strategies and preventing economic losses in the agricultural sector.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the genetic variability within and among different isolates of Mucor piriformis.
- To assess the utility of random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis for differentiating M. piriformis isolates and identifying subspecific populations.
Main Methods:
- Thirty isolates of Mucor piriformis, obtained from infected produce, were analyzed using random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers.
- Seven distinct 10-bp primers were employed to amplify genomic DNA, generating polymorphic banding patterns.
- Numerical analysis, including Unweighted Pair Group Method with Arithmetic Mean (UPGMA) clustering, was performed on the RAPD data.
Main Results:
- Nineteen unique composite amplification types were identified among the 30 isolates, indicating a high level of intraspecific genetic polymorphism.
- The UPGMA analysis delineated three distinct clusters of isolates.
- These genetic clusters showed a correlation with the mating competency and geographical origin of the Mucor piriformis isolates.
Conclusions:
- Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis is a powerful and sensitive molecular tool for identifying and differentiating isolates of Mucor piriformis.
- The study revealed greater genetic diversity in M. piriformis than previously observed using isoenzyme analysis.
- The identified genetic clusters provide insights into the population structure of M. piriformis, potentially aiding in targeted disease control measures.
