Rapid detection of European Heterobasidion annosum intersterility groups and intergroup gene flow using taxon-specific competitive-priming PCR (TSCP-PCR)

Using taxon-specific competitive-priming polymerase chain reaction (TSCP-PC R) the intersterility groups (ISGs) S and P of the root and butt rot pathog en Heterobasidion annosum were found in an active pine mortality center in the forest region Tharandter Wald (Saxonia, Germany). All isolates from spr uce were typed as S, and all isolates from pine were P, except for two isol ates which were identified as hybrid 'SP' genets. These results indicate th e possibility of gene flow in nature between the two ISGs in Europe.