RIBOSOMAL INTERNAL TRANSCRIBED SPACER SIZE VARIATION CORRELATED WITH RAPD-PCR PATTERN POLYMORPHISMS IN THE ENTOMOPATHOGENIC FUNGUS ERYNIA-NEOAPHIDIS AND SOME CLOSELY

Erynia neoaphidis is the most widespread aphid pathogen in temperate r egions. A few authors have identified this species as infecting some n on-aphid hosts. It exhibits high variability with respect to morpholog y and cultural characteristics that underlines the need for assessment of the genetic variability within this species. We used size of PCR-a mplified ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) coupled with RAPD-PCR pattern in order to investigate genetic variability within a sample of 30 isolates identified as E. neoaphidis and one isolate of E . kondoiensis from diverse countries and hosts. Isolates fell into fou r discrete ITS size groups: 575 base pairs (bp) in isolates from non-a phid hosts, 1000 (including the E. kondoiensis isolate), 1100, or 1450 bp in those from Aphididae. The 1100-type seems to be the one of most widespread, since two-thirds of the isolates fr om diverse locations belong to this type. ITS types can be correlated with morphological an d physiological characteristics. A great deal of genetic variability e xists within ITS types, as shown by RAPD-PCR. RAPD groupings could be related with geographical origin in some cases. There was no apparent relationship between host and ITS type or RAPD pattern among isolates from Aphididae. PCR-based technologies provide evidence that could be used to clarify the taxonomy of E. neoaphidis and closely related spec ies, and will help identify markers related to epidemiological charact eristics.