Genetic variability and phylogeny inferred from random amplified polymorphic DNA data reflect life strategy of entomopathogenic fungi

Our analysis of the genetic variability and phylogenetic relationships amon g the isolates of mitosporic entomopathogenic fungi Paecilomyces fumosorose us (Wize) Brown & Smith (10 isolates), Paecilomyces farinosus (Holm ex S.F. Gray) Brown & Smith (3 isolates), Paecilomyces lilacinus (Thom) Samson (1 isolate), and Verticillium lecanii (Zimmerman) Viegas (6 isolates) was base d on the use of random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers. Neighbor-j oining analysis characterized P. fumosoroseus and V. lecanii as monophyleti c taxa. The analysis also supported monophyly of the genus Paecilomyces. We have used the distribution of genetic distances to demonstrate the genetic variability within studied species, in Paecilomyces spp. (Hyphomycetes) an d Aschersonia spp. (Coelomycetes) in particular. We conclude that the RAPD- based analysis is useful for the reconstruction of intraspecific and inters pecific relationships of the entomopathogenic fungi. Moreover, it can be em ployed to study the intergeneric relationships, especially in the case of c losely related genera of the hyphomycetous entomopathogenic fungi. We propo se that RAPD-based phylogeny and genetic variability reflect their life str ategy. In our opinion, the mobility of spores represents a factor with majo r influence on the evolution of these entomopathogenic fungi.