Genetic variation of the resin top fungus in Finland as determined by random amplified microsatellites (RAMS)

The analysis of random amplified microsatellite (RAMS) markers among aecia of the causal agent of the resin top disease (Peridermium pini) on Scots pi ne (Pinus sylvestris) suggested that the genetic variation between the popu lations of this rust fungus is low in Finland. The method used allowed the identification of heterozygotic aecia in two loci, where the degree of hete rozygosity was, however, low. The RAMS patterns of the Finnish aeciospores, other aeciospores from Thetford, UK and Cronartium flaccidum from Italy we re highly similar suggesting that the autoecious and heteroecious forms of these rust fungi would be genetically closely related.