GENOTYPING ISOLATES OF THE ENTOMOPATHOGENIC FUNGUS BEAUVERIA-BASSIANABY RAPD WITH FLUORESCENT LABELS

Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) with incorporation of fluoresc ent deoxynucleotides was used to examine the genetic diversity among B eauveria bassiana isolates from Argentina and Brazil. High-resolution DNA fingerprints were generated on line, during polyacrylamide gel ele ctrophoresis of amplification products, by automated laser fluorescenc e analysis. Each isolate displayed a distinct genotype. Cluster analys is showed a high level of variability among these genotypes. No correl ation with geographical origin or host was detected. Nevertheless, a p henetic group of 80% similarity represented mainly the isolates exhibi ting high virulence against the sugar cane borer, Diatraea saccharalis . Fluorescence-based RAPD fingerprints provide a useful tool for ident ifying entomopathogenic fungi, and this technique is specially applica ble to screening many isolates in population studies. (C) 1998 Academi c Press.