Morphological and molecular analysis of Colletotrichum acutatum sensu lato

The genetic relationships between several morphological groups recognized w ithin Colletotrichum acutatum sensu lato were investigated using RAPD analy sis and vegetative compatibility analysis. Isolates were examined from frui t rots originating in New Zealand and Australia, from Lupinus spp. in New Z ealand, Canada, France and the U.K., and from Pinus radiata in New Zealand and Australia. The genetic distinctness of the groups recognized morphologi cally is confirmed. Two genetically distinct groups of C. acutatum-like pat hogens are recognized from lupin one comprising isolates from New Zealand a nd the U.K, the other isolates from Canada and France. C. acutatum f. sp. p ineum isolates from New Zealand and Australia form two genetically distinct groups.