Analysis of diversity within Fusarium oxysporum populations using molecular and vegetative compatibility grouping

DNA fingerprints, based on Enterobacterial Repetitive Intergenic Consensus (ERIC) sites, were investigated as an alternative technique to Vegetative C ompatibility Grouping (VCG) in studying populations of Fusarium oxysporum S chlecht. emend. Snyd. & Hans. Isolates of F. oxysporum were recovered from orchids displaying visible signs of root rot. Fifty-two isolates were colle cted and analysed using both the ERIC DNA fingerprinting technique and Vege tative Compatibility Grouping. Isolates were divided into 17 ERIC groups an d 37 VCG groups. Based on its lower level of sensitivity and its rapid and reproducible result, the ERIC DNA fingerprinting was found to be a more app ropriate technique for studying diverse populations of F. oxysporum.