MOLECULAR CHARACTERIZATION OF BEAUVERIA-BRONGNIARTII ISOLATES OBTAINED FROM MELOLONTHA-MELOLONTHA IN VALLE-DAOSTA (ITALY) BY RAPD-PCR

RAPD-PCR was used for the molecular characterization of 58 isolates of the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria brongniartii obtained from the European cockchafer (Melolontha melolontha) in Valle d'Aosta, Italy. R APD band patterns were compared to site of isolation and virulence aga inst M. melolontha larvae. Results showed genetic heterogeneity in the natural population of the fungus, and identified within this two geog raphically restricted groups that may represent: colonization by a sin gle isolate. No correlation between pathogenicity and grouping accordi ng to RAPD patterns was found. The findings indicate that RAPD derived markers can be used to differentiate and identify isolates within thi s specialized group of pathogens, and provide a rapid method for track ing new introductions in the environment.