ARMILLARIA SPECIES ASSOCIATED WITH GASTRODIA-ELATA IN JAPAN

Gastrodia elata was collected from July to August 1992 in Hokkaido for ests. A total of 22 diploid isolates were paired with haploid testers of the biological Armillaria species reported in Hokkaido. One isolate was identified as A. ostoyae, 10 as A. gallica, three as A. jezoensis , three as A. sinapina, and five as A. singula. These isolates were co mpatible with the respective Hokkaido testers of these species. With t he exception of A. ostoyae, these species are known as saprophytes, wh ich form abundant rhizomorphs in soil. Clear isozyme profiles of ester ases were obtained with all isolates except one. Interspecific variati ons were more important than intraspecific variations. The esterase pr ofiles could be used for identification of the Armillaria species in H okkaido as a useful complement to the mating-type method.