Intraspecific variation in two species of Rhizomucor assessed by random amplified polymorphic DNA analysis

Twenty-three Rhizomucor isolates were characterized by random amplified pol ymorphic DNA-PCR (RAPD-PCR) with 10-bp oligonucleotide primers. These data were used for numerical analyses to obtain information on the intraspecific genetic polymorphism of Rhizomucor species. The genetic variability in Rhi zomucor pusillus and Rhizomucor miehei isolates was Found to differ, the la tter revealed less intraspecific polymorphism. The different levels of geno typic diversity suggest a correlation with the different forms of mating be haviour of these species. Rhizomucor tauricus displayed amplification patte rns similar to those of the investigated R. pusillus strains, reinforcing t he assumption that R. tauricus does not represent a separate species. Chara cteristic RAPD markers allowing PCR-based species identification of Rhizomu cor isolates were determined.