Genetic variability and evolutionary dynamics of tomato black ring virus population

Tomato black ring virus (TBRV) is an important pathogen infecting a wide range of plant species worldwide. Phylogenetic studies of TBRV have already been conducted, although limited by the use of short genomic regions or a reduced amount of isolates. In the present study, we carried out an exhaustive phylogenetic and population genetic analysis based on the coat protein gene (CP) sequence of 57 TBRV isolates originating from different host plants and European geographic regions (47 isolates from Poland, 8 from Lithuania, one from the UK, and one from Hungary). Moreover, the selective pressure acting on particular codons and coevolution of amino acid residues in the CP were analysed. The results clearly showed that the TBRV population is being shaped by recombination and both positive and purifying selection. The analyses revealed that the placement of TBRV isolates in the phylogenetic trees was nonrandom, with isolates clustering according to host plant families and geographic origin.     

Genetic Diversity and Structure of the Apiosporina morbosa Populations on Prunus spp

ABSTRACT Populations of Apiosporina morbosa collected from 15 geographic locations in Canada and the United States and three host species, Prunus virginiana, P. pensylvanica, and P. padus, were evaluated using the sequence-related amplified polymorphism (SRAP) technique to determine their genetic diversity and population differentiation. Extensive diversity was detected in the A. morbosa populations, including 134 isolates from Canada and the United States, regardless of the origin of the population. The number of polymorphic loci varied from 6.9 to 82.8% in the geographic populations, and from 41.4 to 79.3% in the populations from four host genotypes based on 58 polymorphic fragments. In all, 44 to 100% of isolates in the geographic populations and 43.6 to 76.2% in populations from four host genotypes represented unique genotypes. Values of heterozygosity (H) varied from 2.8 to 28.3% in the geographic populations and 10.2 to 26.1% in the populations from four host genotypes. In general, the A. morbosa populations sampled from wild chokecherry showed a higher genetic diversity than those populations collected from other host species, whereas the populations isolated from cultivated chokecherry, P. virginiana 'Shubert Select', showed a reduction of genetic diversity compared with populations from wild P. virginiana. Significant population differentiation was found among both the geographic populations (P < 0.05) and populations from different host genotypes (P < 0.02). In the geographic populations, most of populations from cultivated and wild P. virginiana were closely clustered, and no population differentiation was detected except for the populations from Morris, Morden, and Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. Furthermore, the populations from P. virginiana in the same geographic locations had higher genetic identity and closer genetic distance to each other compared with those from different locations. Four populations from P. virginiana, P. pensylvanica, and P. padus, were significantly differentiated from each other (P < 0.02), except there was no differentiation between the Shubert Select and wild chokecherry populations (>P> = 0.334). Indirect estimation of gene flow showed that significant restricted gene flow existed between populations from different regions and host species. Gene flow rates (Nm) varied from <1 to 12.5, with higher gene flow rates among population pairs from the same host species (P = 1.000). The analysis of molecular variance revealed that a major genetic variance source came from the genetic variation among isolates within populations regardless of the origin and host genotype of the population. Although some locations had a limited number of isolates, the results of this study clearly showed that the genetic diversity and population differentiation of A. morbosa were closely associated with host genotypes and geographic locations, but mostly with the former.     

Development and application of new molecular markers for analysis of genetic diversity in Verticillium dahliae populations

The aim of this study was to develop new polymorphic markers for analysis of genetic diversity in the fungal soilborne plant pathogen Verticillium dahliae. Twelve polymorphic markers (five microsatellites and seven polymorphic sequences) were developed from a genomic library enriched for microsatellites. Screening of polymorphic loci was done using a collection of 25 V. dahliae isolates of diverse geographic origins, host sources and vegetative compatibility groups (VCGs). Three methods were used to score alleles: polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE), sequencing of PCR‐amplified loci, and capillary electrophoresis. The new markers were used to assess genetic differentiation between isolates associated with different host plants. Two collections of isolates were analysed, obtained from artichoke (30 isolates) and potato (20 isolates) from crops grown in rotation located in the same area in eastern‐central Spain. The resolution of genetic differentiation between these two collections using the new markers was compared to that provided by other often‐used markers (SCARs and VCGs). Sequence analysis of the alleles proved to be the most unambiguous technique for scoring microsatellite data. The relatively high genetic differentiation observed between isolates from different crops (genetic differentiation coefficient, G_ST = 0·24) and their high genotypic diversity suggest a divergence between V. dahliae from artichoke and potato. It is hypothesized that evolution of V. dahliae from the local resident population in association with the two host crops has occurred. The new markers are useful for resolving population structure within V. dahliae and may contribute to a better understanding of the population biology of this fungus.     

野茼蒿黄脉病毒的田间寄主范围及其基因多样性特征

为明确野茼蒿黄脉病毒(Crassocephalum yellow vein virus,CraYVV)的田间寄主范围及其群体基因结构特征,分别采用克隆和测序技术对采自云南省西双版纳傣族州、红河哈尼族彝族自治州的7种杂草和2种作物进行CraYVV的分离和鉴定,并通过生物信息学软件对分离到的CraYVV进行基因组结构、重组及基因遗传结构分析。结果显示,在赛葵、龙葵、臭牡丹、水茄、豨莶、野茼蒿和一点红7种杂草以及茄子和草莓2种作物中均分离到CraYVV,共获得20条CraYVV全长序列;CraYVV所有分离物分属2个株系,将其命名为YJ株系和JH株系;JH株系具有地理隔离特征,与YJ株系存在一定的遗传距离;重组分析显示,CraYVV是由烟草曲茎病毒(tobacco curly shoot virus,TbCSV)和云南烟草曲叶病毒(tobacco leaf curl Yunnan virus,TbLCYnV)重组产生;遗传结构分析显示,CraYVV中C1基因变异最显著,其次是C4基因和基因间隔区。表明CraYVV能侵染5科9种杂草和作物,具有较广的寄主范围,且菜豆金色花叶病毒属病毒能够侵染草莓、CraYVV能够侵染茄子,显示来源于杂草的菜豆金色花叶病毒属病毒在自然条件下能够侵染作物。     

ISSR markers detect high genetic variation among <Emphasis Type="Italic">Fusarium poae</Emphasis> isolates from Argentina and England

Fusarium poae is one of the Fusarium species isolated from cereal grains infected by Fusarium head blight (FHB), and in recent years it has been identified as a major FHB component. In this study, 97 F. poae isolates from Argentina (n = 62) and England (n = 35) were analysed by inter-simple sequence repeats (ISSR) to examine the genetic diversity and to determine whether intraspecific variation could be correlated with geographic and/or host origin. The molecular analysis showed high intraspecific variability within F. poae isolates, but did not reveal a clear relationship between variability and the host/geographic origin. Fusarium poae isolates from the same geographic region or host appeared in different subclusters. Conversely, isolates with the same haplotype were also collected from different geographic regions. However, we did observe subclusters consisting of isolates from Argentina only or from England only. Furthermore, a single seed sample was found to host different haplotypes. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) indicated a high genetic variability in F. poae, with most of the genetic variability explained by differences within, rather than between Argentinean and English populations. This is the first report on genetic diversity of F. poae using ISSR markers. Moreover, ISSR fingerprinting generates highly polymorphic markers for F. poae and proved to be a useful and reliable assay for genetic variability studies.     

Genetic diversity and aggressiveness of Calonectria pteridis in Eucalyptus spp.

Calonectria leaf blight, caused by Calonectria pteridis, is currently one of the main foliar diseases in eucalypt plantations in Brazil. In warm and high rainfall regions, the disease can be a limiting factor for eucalypt production when planting susceptible genotypes. The most effective method for controlling this disease in the field is the use of resistant genotypes, which requires knowledge of the genetic variability and aggressiveness of the pathogen population for effective deployment of plant resistance. This work evaluated the genetic diversity and aggressiveness of C. pteridis populations obtained from infected eucalypt plants in Monte Dourado (Pará state) and Imperatriz (Maranhão state), Brazil. To study the genetic diversity, 16 ISSR primers were tested, five of which amplified polymorphic, reproducible and informative bands. Thirty-one closely related genotypes were identified from 84 isolates studied, indicating that the population has a low genetic diversity. The aggressiveness of seven isolates, selected according to geographic origin and their clustering in the ISSR-based dendogram, was determined by inoculation of a hybrid Eucalyptus grandis × E. urophylla clone under controlled conditions. Disease severity was assessed by both measuring the percentage of plant defoliation and assigning a score according to a diagrammatic scale of symptoms. A high correlation between the two evaluation methods was observed, which revealed significant differences in aggressiveness among the isolates. The diagrammatic scale is recommended for disease evaluation because results are obtained much faster, before the occurrence of severe defoliation. No correlation between clustering in the ISSR-based phylogenetic analysis and aggressiveness was observed.     

Inference of the phylogenetic diversity and population structure of Xanthomonas campestris affecting Brassicaceae using a multilocus sequence typing‐based approach

Xanthomonas campestris pathovars are widely distributed throughout the globe and have a broad host range, causing severe economic losses in the food and ornamental crucifers markets. Using an approach based on multilocus sequence typing, phylogenetic diversity and population structure of a set of 75 Portuguese and other Xanthomonas campestris isolates from several cruciferous hosts were assessed. Although this population displayed a major clonal structure, neighbour‐net phylogenetic analysis highlighted the presence of recombinational events that may have driven the ecological specialization of X. campestris with different host ranges within the Brassicaceae family. A high level of genetic diversity within and among X. campestris pathovars was also revealed, through the establishment of 46 sequence types (STs). This approach provided a snapshot of the global X. campestris population structure in cruciferous host plants, correlating the existing pathovars with three distinct genetic lineages. Phylogenetic relationships between the founder genotype and remaining isolates that constitute the X. campestris pv. campestris population were further clarified using goeBURST algorithm. Identification of an intermediate link between X. campestris pv. campestris and X. campestris pv. raphani provided new insights into the mechanisms driving the differentiation of both pathovars. Wide geographic distribution of allelic variants suggests that evolution of X. campestris as a seedborne pathogen was not shaped by natural barriers. However, as Portuguese isolates encompass 26 unique STs and this country is an important centre of domestication of Brassica oleracea crops, a strong case is made for its role as a diversification reservoir, most probably through host–pathogen coevolution.     

Genetic diversity and structure of Hemileia vastatrix populations on Coffea spp.

Coffee leaf rust is the most limiting disease for coffee cultivation in Brazil. Despite its importance, relatively little is known about the genetic diversity of Hemileia vastatrix, the rust causal agent. In this work, the DNA from 112 monopustule isolates from different geographic locations and coffee genotypes were analysed by amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLP). The objectives were to assess the influence of the host and geographic origin on the diversity and population differentiation in H. vastatrix. The fungal population showed a low level of genotypic diversity. Gene diversity (h) was 0·027 and the hypothesis of random mating in the total population was rejected, but evidence for recombination was found for two subpopulations (São Paulo and Paraná). The analysis of molecular variance revealed that 90% of the genetic distribution of the pathogen occurs among isolates within the subpopulation (states or host of origin). There was no correlation between geographic and genetic distance (r = ?0·024, P = 0·74), which together with the high number of migrants and the low degree of differentiation in populations of H. vastatrix, is consistent with the fact that the inoculum is probably easily dispersed by wind over long distances, allowing dispersal of the pathogen among coffee growing areas in Brazil. Therefore, it is difficult to predict the durability of resistant sources to coffee rust. The recommendation for the breeding programmes is thus to incorporate multigenic resistance as a control strategy.     

Heterogeneity of Pseudomonas savastanoi populations infecting Myrtus communis in Sardinia (Italy)

Genetic, phenotypic and host range diversity among Pseudomonas savastanoi isolates from Myrtus communis were investigated. Thirty‐one isolates from six Sardinian commercial myrtle orchards and three isolates from plants growing spontaneously on the island of Rhodes (Greece) were compared with reference strains of P. savastanoi from olive, oleander, ash and myrtle. Multilocus sequence analysis (MLSA) indicated the presence of a monomorphic population with a very low level of variability. Conversely, Biolog phenotypic fingerprinting and phytohormone production analyses showed a considerable metabolic diversity, as bacteria obtained from single infected tissue differed more than bacteria obtained from different orchards. When pathogenicity tests were carried out on myrtle plants, different types of symptoms were induced: knots, canker lesions with or without tissue proliferations and, occasionally, wilting of the inoculated twig, a symptom never reported before for P. savastanoi. Comparable symptoms were also observed in the natural environment both on spontaneous and cultivated plants. Moreover, the host range of the myrtle population was heterogeneous and not well defined. Some isolates showed a wide host range whilst others were pathogenic only to their natural host. Overall these findings suggest that the diversity of the P. savastanoi population from myrtle does not depend so much on the locality or the natural host and does not allow the Sardinian and Greek isolates, together with previously characterized myrtle strains, to be ascribed to a known pathovar of P. savastanoi, nor to propose their belonging, as a whole, to a new pathovar.     

Genetic structure of Verticillium dahliae isolates infecting olive trees in Tunisia using AFLP,pathogenicity and PCR markers

Since 2006, verticillium wilt of olive induced by Verticillium dahliae has caused considerable economic losses in olive orchards in Tunisia. The genetic structure of V. dahliae isolates collected from different olive growing regions was investigated using virulence tests, vegetative compatibility grouping (VCG) and amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) analyses. In total, 42 isolates of V. dahliae from diseased olive trees were tested. Cluster analysis and principal coordinate analysis revealed that geographic origin was the main factor determining the genetic structure of V. dahliae populations and both methods indicated a genetic separation between the central and coastal isolates. Isolates were divided into two major groups: the AFLP‐I group included all isolates from Sidi Bouzid, Kairouan, Kasserine and Sfax (centre of the country) and the AFLP‐II group included isolates from Monastir, Zaghouane, Sousse, Mahdia (coastal region), and two isolates from Sfax. Analysis of the molecular variance (amova ) indicated a significant level of genetic differentiation among (76%) and within (23%) the two populations. Analyses of both the defoliating (D) and non‐defoliating (ND) pathotypes and VCG markers indicated that most of the isolates belong to VCG 2A and 4B/ND pathotype. The disease severity was highly variable among the isolates tested (P < 0·05) with no evidence of association between aggressiveness and geographical origin of the isolates. Overall, results of this study revealed a clear association between the genetic diversity of the isolates and their geographic origin, but not between genetic diversity and virulence patterns.     

The genetic structure of populations of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Turnip mosaic virus</Emphasis> in Kyushu and central Honshu,Japan

The genetic structure of the populations of Turnip mosaic virus in Kyushu and central Honshu, Japan was assessed. The host specificity of isolates was determined, and their gene sequences compared utilizing a population genetic approach. Phylogenetic analysis of partial sequences revealed that 32 of 49 Honshu isolates (65%) collected during 1997–2001 belonged to the basal-BR group as did 23 of 64 isolates from Kyushu. All these basal-BR isolates infected both Brassica and Raphanus plants. However, analyses of the positions of recombination sites in five regions of the genome (one third of the full sequence) showed that at least four intra-lineage recombinants were present in these populations. These analyses showed that Kyushu and Honshu shared none of these subpopulations, and genetically distinct basal-BR populations were present in the two districts. We conclude that different basal-BR subpopulations had expanded into those districts. The nucleotide sequences are deposited in the DDBJ/EMBL/GenBank databases under accession numbers AB267281-AB267376.     

Cultural characteristics, pathogenicity and genetic diversity of Fusarium oxysporum isolates from tobacco fields in Spain

Several formae speciales of Fusarium oxysporum are capable to produce disease in tobacco plants. Different authors have classified those isolates as a forma specialis or a race within on the basis of the severity of disease and host specificity. Fusarium wilt of tobacco plant in Extremadura (central Spain) tobacco fields have been recorded in the last years and F. oxysporum was isolated from symptomatic plants. The aim of our study was to characterize these F. oxysporum populations. For this purpose, the in vitro spore production and growth and the virulence (severity of disease) have been tested. Although all isolates behaved as pathogen, the virulence of isolates was different. The differences in growth could not be correlated with other characteristics but the two isolates with scarce spore production have also behaved as the weakest pathogen. We have analyzed intergenic spacer (IGS) region polymorphism of ribosomal DNA and random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers to assess the genetic diversity within F. oxysporum isolates. These molecular analyses showed two major groups with different physiological capabilities that could reflect two different lineages. One group was characterized by medium–high sporulation, high virulence and the same IGS-RFLP pattern. The other group was more heterogeneous featuring low–medium sporulation and variable virulence and growth. This first experimental approach to pathogen population could be a good starting point for further studies including non-pathogenic isolates and a larger number of pathogen that could clarify if there are two or more genetic lineages.     

Genetic differentiation in populations of Exserohilum turcicum from maize and sorghum in South Africa

Exserohilum turcicum is the causal agent of northern leaf blight, a devastating foliar disease of maize and sorghum. Specificity of E. turcicum to either maize or sorghum has been observed previously, but molecular evidence supporting host specialization is lacking. The aim of this study was to compare the genetic structure of E. turcicum isolates collected from adjacent maize and sorghum fields in Delmas and Greytown in South Africa. In addition, the mode of reproduction of this pathogen was investigated. Isolates from maize (N = 62) and sorghum (N = 64) were screened with 12 microsatellite markers as well as a multiplex mating type PCR assay. No shared haplotypes were observed between isolates from different hosts, although shared haplotypes were detected between isolates from maize from Delmas and Greytown. Population structure and principal coordinate analyses revealed genetic differentiation between E. turcicum isolates from maize and sorghum. Analysis of molecular variance indicated higher among‐population variation when comparing populations from different hosts, than comparing populations from different locations. Lack of shared haplotypes, high proportion of private alleles, greater among‐population variance between hosts than locations and significant pairwise population differentiation indicates genetic separation between isolates from maize and sorghum. The high haplotypic diversity in combination with unequal mating type ratios and significant linkage equilibrium indicates that both sexual and asexual reproduction contributes to the population genetic structure of E. turcicum in South Africa.     

云南烟草产区辣椒脉斑驳病毒的调查及其遗传多样性分析

明确辣椒脉斑驳病毒(chilli veinal mottle virus, ChiVMV)在云南6个州(市)烟草生产区的分布、遗传多样性和群体遗传结构,对病害的防控预警具有重要意义。本研究以2022年采集自云南6个州(市)不同烟草产区的96份疑似感染ChiVMV的烟草样品为试验材料,利用电子显微镜负染色观察和分子生物学方法对病毒进行检测和鉴定,获得21个ChiVMV云南烟草分离物的cp基因序列。利用SDT、MEGA、RDP、DnaSP及Arlequin等生物学软件对21个云南烟草分离物及NCBI上下载的38个来自不同国家、地区及寄主的ChiVMV分离物cp基因序列的系统进化、遗传多样性和群体遗传结构特征进行分析。结果显示,从云南6个州(市)烟草生产区采集的96份烟草样品中,ChiVMV检出率为51.04%;序列比对发现,本研究获得的cp基因与NCBI中38个ChiVMV分离物cp基因的核苷酸一致性在84.1%以上;系统发育分析发现,59个ChiVMV分离物按照地理位置的远近被划分为4个分支,聚类结果具有明显的地理分布特征,而与寄主植物无关;遗传多样性和遗传分化分析表明,4个地理种群的ChiVMV cp基因遗传多样性水平均较高,中国种群与印度、泰国和其他国家种群间发生了很大的遗传分化且差异显著(P<0.05);遗传力分析显示,基因交流、遗传漂变和基因的负选择压力是ChiVMV分离物适应性进化的重要方式。     

Physiological and population genetic analysis of Botrytis field isolates from vineyards in Castilla y León,Spain

Grey mould is reported in the vineyards of Castilla y León, Spain, every year. However, the natural populations of the pathogen have yet to be properly characterized. Vineyards from six wine-producing areas were surveyed in 2002 and 2007, sampling from bunches of grapes with and without symptoms. A total of 283 Botrytis field isolates were selected for physiological and genetic analyses. Botrytis cinerea isolates predominated in the population, although isolates belonging to Botrytis pseudocinerea and Botrytis prunorum were also identified. These two species are recorded for the first time in Spain in this work. In addition, two isolates closely related to Botrytis californica were identified. Physiologically, the B. cinerea population is very diverse, displaying a normal distribution of aggressiveness values in Vitis vinifera leaves, suggesting a quantitative nature for this trait. Several isolates unable to cause infection were identified, most of them belonging to a mycelial morphotype. Population genetic analysis revealed that genotypic diversity is high and that multiple infections of the same bunch of grapes by different genotypes occur frequently. The high genotypic diversity observed, an even distribution of both mating types and the linkage disequilibrium values detected support a mixed mode of reproduction with low levels of clonality. The wine-producing area in which each isolate was collected imposed a low degree of population differentiation, an effect that does not depend solely on the geographic distances but rather on the management practices used by growers and wine producer associations.     

云南省小麦条锈菌不同地理亚群体的遗传结构分析

为明确云南省小麦条锈菌（Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici,Pst）在不同地理环境下的群体遗传结构,通过3种不同地理亚群体划分方式,即以县域（Group C）、区域（Group R）和海拔（Group E）对云南省537个Pst单孢系进行不同层次的群体划分,并利用12对SSR引物对其进行遗传多样性和群体遗传结构分析。结果显示,云南省Pst的遗传多样性水平在Group C的亚群体之间差异最大,且来自滇中及滇东北地区的Pst群体的遗传多样性较高。Group R和Group E的亚群体基因流及遗传分化结果表明,云南省Pst菌源交流频繁、遗传分化较小。系统进化树分析结果显示,滇东北与滇中Pst群体类似,滇东南与滇西Pst群体类似。Pst遗传组分呈现出由东向西、由北向南和自低海拔向高海拔变化的趋势,与云南省自东南向西北逐渐攀升的地形及地势吻合。Mantel检验结果表明地理距离与遗传距离不存在相关性,在8个县域亚群体、2个区域亚群体检测到有性生殖。表明来自滇中和滇东北地区的Pst群体具有更高的遗传多样性,地理隔离可能是滇西地区遗传多样性较低的成因,遗传分化发生在...     

Genetic variation,vegetative compatibility,and aggressiveness diversity of Diplodia bulgarica isolates from apple orchards in West Azarbaijan province of Iran

This study investigated inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR), vegetative compatibility, and aggressiveness diversity in 101 isolates of Diplodia bulgarica recovered from apple trees displaying symptoms of canker and decline in West Azarbaijan province of Iran. Marker analyses revealed high within population diversity, low genetic differentiation, high gene flow, and sharing of multilocus genotypes (MLGs) among geographic populations. Moreover, clustering and multivariate analyses identified two highly differentiated genetic clusters with limited admixture between them. These findings may suggest that the pathogen has been introduced from two genetically divergent sources and has been moved within the region through infected materials. The large number of MLGs, low clonal fraction, and absence of a widely distributed dominant genotype may explain the occurrence of recombination in this pathogen. However, significant linkage disequilibrium in the populations and limited admixture between genetic clusters may indicate the rare occurrence of recombination in D. bulgarica populations in West Azarbaijan, and that the pathogen has not been in the province long enough to reach equilibrium. Vegetative compatibility analyses revealed the occurrence of anastomosis between nonself pairings and high vegetative compatibility group diversity within populations. All studied MLGs produced necrotic lesions on detached shoots of Red Delicious apple but differed in their aggressiveness levels. Our results provide new insights into genetic and phenotypic variation of D. bulgarica that can assist in developing management strategies. Our findings also highlight the vital need for quarantine measures and the production of healthy plant materials to prevent the introduction and spread of the pathogen in Iran.     

Analyses of RAPD data for detection of host specialization in Sclerotinia homoeocarpa

Upgma analysis, principal component analysis, genetic diversity analysis and genetic distance analysis of RAPD data were used to assess the extent of host specialization in 50 isolates of S. homoeocarpa from five turfgrass hosts. In upgma analysis and principal component analysis, the occurrence of host specialization was not readily apparent based on visual inspection. Genetic diversity analysis showed significant differentiation among isolates from different host species ( G _ST = 0.34, P  < 0.001). The strongest evidence for some degree of host specialization came from the statistical analysis of genetic distances among isolates. By grouping pairwise genetic distances between isolates based on their host species, and analysing for average distance within the same host species and among different host species, it was found that the average distance within species was less than among species ( P  < 0.0001). An analysis of molecular variance of the genetic distances among isolates found that 32.3% of the total variation was attributable to host species. It is concluded that these isolates of S. homoeocarpa showed a weak level of host specialization, which was not readily apparent by upgma or principal component analyses, but was revealed by genetic diversity analysis and statistical analysis of genetic distances among isolates. Inoculation tests on different host species and tests using a greater number of isolates are required to confirm the extent of specialization.