Genetic Diversity of Venturia inaequalis Across Europe

Authors: Tenzer I.¹; Gessler C.²

Source: European Journal of Plant Pathology, Volume 105, Number 6, September 1999 , pp. 545-552(8)

Publisher: Springer

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Abstract:

The genetic diversity of eleven populations of Venturia inaequalis from five European countries was calculated based on the allele frequencies of 18 random amplified polymorphic DNA markers and the internal transcribed spacer region of the ribosomal DNA. Diversity within each population (H_S) was high with values ranging from 0.26 to 0.33. Average differentiation among populations (G_ST) was 0.11 and populations were isolated by distance (r^2=0.50, P<0.01). This indicates that extensive short-distance gene flow occurs in Europe and that dispersal over longer distances also appears to occur frequently enough to prevent differentiation due to genetic drift. We had expected more pronounced differentiation between populations north and south of the Alps, because V. inaequalis is primarily dispersed by rain splashing and wind distribution of leaf litter, and because the Alps might form a barrier to dispersal. However, our results indicate that human-mediated gene flow due to transport of spores or infected plant material has probably occurred.

Keywords: apple scab; ITS polymorphism; population genetics; RAPD markers

Language: English

Document Type: Regular paper

Affiliations: 1: Phytomedicine/Pathology, Institute of Plant Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Universitätstrasse 2, 8092 Zürich, Switzerland 2: Phytomedicine/Pathology, Institute of Plant Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Universitätstrasse 2, 8092 Zürich, Switzerland; (E-mail: Cesare.Gessler@ipw.agrl.ethz.ch)

Publication date: 1999-09-01