USE OF RANDOM AMPLIFIED POLYMORPHIC DNA (RAPD) TO CHARACTERIZE RACE 2OF FUSARIUM-OXYSPORUM F SP PISI

Genetic variability within four races of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. pis i was assessed by random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD). Banding pat terns generated from isolates of race 2 by 14 selected primers were un iform relative to patterns generated from races 1, 5, and 6. Isolates of races 1, 5, and 6 showed much greater variability within each race than did isolates of race 2. The high level of genetic variability amo ng and within races of F. o. pisi allowed for fingerprinting of most o f the isolates by examining patterns produced by several primers. Gene ralized race-specific patterns were not found for races 1, 5, and 6. T he results suggested that races 1, 5, and 6 be grouped separately from race 2. Similarities and differences in banding patterns obtained by RAPD could be a useful molecular tool in evolutionary studies of the o rigins of different races.