Molecular analysis of intraspecific variation between building and 'wild' isolates of Serpula lacrymans and their relatedness to S-himantioides

Relationships between Serpula lacrymans and S. himantioides isolates of 'wi ld' Himalayan woodland and building (European and Australian) origin were e xamined using RAPD-PCR and ITS rDNA sequence comparison. GelCompar analysis of the genetic fingerprints of eighteen isolates using four RAPD-primer co mbinations clearly distinguished S. lacrymans and S. himantioides. Little i ntraspecific variation was observed in S. lacrymans (including isolates of Himalayan woodland origin), relative to S. himantioides. Despite previously reported differences in growth rates and decay capabilities of 'wild' Hima layan woodland S. lacrymans isolates and those from buildings. RAPD fingerp rints and ITS sequences indicated they were genetically similar. Interspeci fic ITS sequence polymorphisms were consistent with other studies and clear ly demonstrated S. himantioides and S. lacrymans were distinct taxa. Evolut ionary questions regarding the origins of S, lacrymans are discussed.