A DNA-PROBE FOR IDENTIFICATION OF PYTHIUM IRREGULARE IN SOIL

A DNA probe recognizing a repeated sequence was isolated from a genomi c library of the oomycete Pythium irregulare. This probe was tested fo r reactivity with DNA from a variety of Pythium spp. and was shown to react only with P. irregulare and P. spinosum. Isolates of P. irregula re showed variation in their restriction patterns when tested with thi s probe. Variation in restriction patterns was also noted for isolates of P. irregulare obtained from soil under wheat pasture and woodland.