Diversity and molecular relationships of endophytic Colletotrichum isolates from the Iwokrama Forest Reserve, Guyana.
The diversity and host specificity were studied of a collection of Colletotrichum strains derived from endophytic colonies in leaves of 12 tree species in the Iwokrama Forest Reserve, Guyana. Analysis included ISSR-PCR and RAPD molecular fingerprinting techniques, rDNA ITS sequencing and morphological and cultural characterization. Most strains belonged to one of two species, C. gloeosporioides and a further taxon which is probably referable to C. boninense. Almost no strains were found to be genetically identical, indicating that clonal reproduction does not play a prominent role. No degree of host specificity could be detected even at molecular fingerprint level. The implications for estimation of fungal diversity in closed tropical forests may be profound.
Lu
Guozhong
G
Shenyang Agricultural University, Dongling Road No. 120, Shenyang 110161, People's Republic of China.
Cannon
Paul F
PF
Reid
Alex
A
Simmons
Coralie M
CM
D020231:Colletotrichum / Q000235:genetics*; D014644:Genetic Variation; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D012336:RNA, Ribosomal, 16S / Q000235:genetics; D019105:Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA Technique; D014197:Trees / Q000382:microbiology*
D012336:RNA, Ribosomal, 16S