Analysis of the Italian population of Ceratocystis fimbriata f.sp platani using RAPD and minisatellite markers

To test the genetic variability of the Italian population of Ceratocystis f imbriata f.sp. platani, a large sample of different isolates was analysed b y the RAPD and direct amplification of minisatellite-region DNA (DAMD) PCR techniques and compared with a number of Ceratocystis fimbriata isolates fr om various hosts growing in different parts of the world. The results indic ated a high level of homogeneity in the Italian population of the fungus, w hereas a certain variability was recognized in isolates from other hosts. T he Italian population appears to be clonal, with the same genotype througho ut the country. The pathogen was certainly introduced from abroad, so it is conceivable that it does not have the genetic variability in Italy that it had in its area of origin.