Characterization of cereal seed/grain associated Fusarium sp. through RAPD.

摘要

Twenty-four isolates of Fusarium sp. obtained from seed/grain samples of wheat, maize and sorghum from different locations in Tamil Nadu were characterized for their genetic diversity using RAPD technique. RAPD analysis of seed-borne Fusarium sp. F. graminearum (Fg) and F. moniliforme (Fm) using random primers amplified DNA fragments having different molecular weight, which ranged in size from 100 to 2000 bp. Molecular analysis of seed-borne Fusarium sp. was studied by RAPD-PCR banding patterns, all the isolates from major cereals were grouped into two major clusters A and B. The cluster A consisted of nine isolates Fg1-8 and Fm14, and these isolates were highly variable. Cluster B was further divided into two subclusters B1 and B2. B1 consisted of 12 isolates and B2 one isolate. Genetic similarity between isolates indicated limited genetic variability among the isolates collected from the different locations. RAPD-PCR analysis showed similarities in the range of 49 to 91%. The study revealed the genetic diversity of Fusarium spp. and need for identification of virulent isolates among the major cereals seed-borne pathogens.