title: Divergence and dispersal of the nematode-trapping fungus Arthrobotrys oligospora from China.
abstract: Nematode-trapping fungi are of significant agricultural, forestry and ecological importance. However, relatively little is known about the patterns of genetic variation for any nematode-trapping fungus through its broad geographic and ecological contexts. Here, we analysed DNA sequence variation among strains of the nematode-trapping fungus Arthrobotrys oligospora from China. Our analyses revealed that the Chinese A. oligospora is a species complex with at least three divergent lineages (cryptic species). In addition, there was significant geographic structuring with unambiguous evidence for localized recombination within two of the three lineages in nature. However, evidence for clonal reproduction was also found. We discuss the implications of our results to the conservation and biocontrol application of A. oligospora in agriculture and forestry.
authors.affiliation: Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-resources, and Key Laboratory for Microbial Resources of the Ministry of Education, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan 650091, China. Department of Biology, McMaster University, 1280 Main St. West, Hamilton, Ontario L8S 4K1, Canada.
authors.forename: Ying
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.forename: Ze-Fen
authors.initials: ZF
authors.lastname: Yu
authors.forename: Jianping
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Xu
authors.forename: Ke-Qin
authors.initials: KQ
authors.lastname: Zhang