Genetic Variability and Structure of Canadian Populations of the Sapstain Fungus Ceratocystis resinifera

ABSTRACT Genomic DNA was extracted from 129 isolates of Ceratocystis resinifera, a species belonging to the C. coerulescens complex, and 19 polymorphic random amplified polymorphic DNA markers were used to study the population genetic structure of this fungus. The analysis suggested a moderate value for genetic diversity (H(S) = 0.209). However, when monomorphic markers and rare alleles, representing 89 markers, also were included in the calculation, the genetic diversity of Canadian populations of C. resinifera appeared to be much lower (H(S) = 0.045). This could be explained by two hypotheses: (i) recent introduction of this species into North America and (ii) clonal reproduction (by selfing). No specialization by C. resinifera for coniferous tree species was observed based on genetic differentiation index between isolates sampled from Pinus and Picea spp. and on phylogenetic analysis using Dice coefficient of association. In spite of a low genetic diversity, a very high genetic differentiation was observed among the nine geographical populations studied (F(ST) = 20.8%). The genetic differences were especially striking when populations from Eastern Canada were compared with populations from Western Canada (phiST = 0.27%; P < 0.001), suggesting that a geographic reproductive barrier occurs in Central Canada. This barrier may be the consequence of a weak migration of insect vectors of C. resinifera due to reduced presence of hosts in the Canadian Great Plains, where extensive agriculture occurs. However, results from pairwise F(ST) matrix and phylogeny of haplotypes suggest that the barrier is not totally impenetrable because some gene flow occurred from the west and from the east in the Big River (Saskatchewan) population located in the middle of the Great Plains.     

Nicotinamide dehydrogenase subunit 4 analysis of Xiphinema diversicaudatum and Xiphinema simile (Nematoda: Longidoridae)

Regions within the mitochondrial gene encoding for the nicotinamide dehydrogenase subunit 4 (nad4) were characterized to evaluate the extent of genetic variation within and among Xiphinema diversicaudatum and Xiphinema simile populations. Four different sequence variants of nad4 were determined among eight populations of X. diversicaudatum and three variants among three populations of X. simile. Nucleotide variation was detected in 28 of 411 bp (2.43 to 4.87 %) in X. diversicaudatum and in three of 395 bp (0.25 to 0.76 %) in X. simile. This represents the first study based on the characterization of the nad4 gene for the analysis of population genetic of two Xiphinema species.     

Cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 analysis of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Xiphinema diversicaudatum,X. pachtaicum,X. simile</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">X. vuittenezi</Emphasis> (Nematoda,Dorylaimida)

Genetic analyses using sequences of partial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) gene of mitochondrial DNA were conducted to determine the extent of genetic variation within and among Xiphinema diversicaudatum, X. pachtaicum, X. simile and X. vuittenezi populations. Pairwise distance among the four species was 22.5 to 31.2%. Four different sequence variants of cox1 were determined among six populations of X. diversicaudatum and three variants among three populations of X. simile. Nucleotide variation was detected at 18 of 414 bp (1.9 to 2.7%) in X. diversicaudatum and 4 of 435 bp (0.2 to 0.9%) in X. simile. All changes were at silent sites. No nucleotide variation was detected within three populations of X. pachtaicum and within three populations of X. vuittenezi.     

Genetic diversity of Claviceps africana on sorghum and Hyparrhenia

RAPD markers were used to survey genetic variability among 140 isolates of Claviceps africana collected from Southern Africa, India, Thailand, Australia and the Americas in 1992–2002. Amplified fragment length polymorphisms were determined for a subset of the isolates. Both markers gave similar results in phenetic analysis of genetic distances between haplotypes of different geographical origin. In the Americas, a single RAPD haplotype was found throughout the various countries. The Eastern lineage consisted of two close haplotypes (one from India, the other from Thailand and Australia). Among five specialized isolates of C. africana from the alternative hosts ( Hyparrhenia spp.), three haplotypes were found. Eleven private alleles distinguished the Hyparrhenia population from that on sorghum. rDNA sequences of sorghum and Hyparrhenia isolates differed in three positions. The African sorghum population of C. africana consisted of 10, mostly closely related haplotypes. Low genotypic diversity ( H _E = 0·0337) and the fact that most of the variation originated from between populations ( G _ST = 0·866) suggested founder effects following recent invasion. In Southern Africa, no significant differentiation was found among six populations. Therefore the data were pooled and tested for prevalence of clonal or sexual reproduction. The presence of the over-represented, widespread RAPD haplotype A; gametic disequilibrium (37% loci detected by exact tests); index of association ( I _A) significantly >0; and the high proportion of compatible loci (in the clone-corrected and total data sets found to be 94 and 99%, respectively) support the hypothesis of clonality as the predominant means of reproduction.     

Virus-vector nematodes in cereals and fruit crops in Spain

Studies on nepoviruses and tobraviruses, and their relationships with their associated vector nematodes, are scarce in Spain. However, virus disease symptoms have often been detected and their nematode vectors are widespread in Peninsular Spain. Nepovirus vector nematodes (Longidorus attenuatus, L. coespiticola, L. elongatus, L. macrosoma, Xiphinema coxi, X. diversicaudatum, X. index, X. italiae, X. pseudocoxi and X. vuittenezi) have been found associated with fruit and cereal crops. All are also widespread in other crops and uncultivated areas, together with X. rivesi, which has not yet been found associated with fruit and cereal crops in Spain. Tobravirus vectors have been less studied in Spain. Of the five recorded species, Paratrichodorus minor and Trichodorus primitivus are present on maize and wheat respectively. The geographical and host distribution of these nematodes are given and their ecological characteristics are discussed.     

从日本进境罗汉松中截获移去剑线虫

2016年11月,深圳口岸从日本进境罗汉松中截获一种剑线虫。采用贝曼漏斗法分离线虫,结合形态学、28S rRNA基因序列测定以及构建系统发育树,对分离的线虫进行鉴定。该线虫的28SrRNA基因序列和GenBank数据库中的移去剑线虫Xiphinema elongatum(登录号分别为EF140790、KF430803、KF430802和KF430801)的序列同源性高达99%;其形态特征和测计值与X.elongatum最为吻合;系统发育树表明该线虫和X.elongatum聚为一组。通过以上结果判定截获的线虫为移去剑线虫。剑线虫是一种重要的植物外寄生线虫,我国口岸曾经多次截获剑线虫,剑线虫入侵我国的风险较高。本文首次对日本罗汉松中的移去剑线虫进行了详细的描述,提供了该线虫新的地理分布信息。     

Development of a real‐time PCR method for the detection of the dagger nematodes Xiphinema index,X. diversicaudatum,X. vuittenezi and X. italiae,and for the quantification of X. index numbers

The ectoparasitic dagger nematodes Xiphinema index and Xiphinema diversicaudatum, often at low numbers in the soil, are vectors of grapevine nepoviruses, which cause huge agronomical problems for the vineyard industry. This study reports a method, based on real‐time PCR, for the specific detection of these species and of the closely related non‐vector species Xiphinema vuittenezi and Xiphinema italiae. Specific primers and TaqMan probes were designed from the ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1), enabling the specific detection of single individuals of each of the X. index, X. diversicaudatum, X. italiae and X. vuittenezi species whatever the nematode population. The specificity of detection and absence of false positive reaction were confirmed in samples of each species mixed with the three other Xiphinema species or mixed with nematodes representative from other genera (non‐plant‐parasitic Dorylaimida, Longidorus sp., Meloidogyne spp., Globodera spp. and Pratylenchus sp.). The method was shown to be valid for the relative quantification of X. index numbers through its use, from crude nematode extracts of soil samples, in a greenhouse assay of grapevine accessions ranging from highly susceptible to resistant. As an alternative to time‐consuming microscopic identification and counting, this real‐time PCR method will provide a fast, sensitive and reliable diagnostic and relative quantification technique for X. index nematodes extracted from fields or controlled conditions.     

Genetic diversity and aggressiveness of Erwinia psidii on Eucalyptus spp. in Brazil

The genetic variability and aggressiveness of Brazilian Erwinia psidii isolates from Eucalyptus spp. was studied and compared with reference isolates from guava (Psidium guajava). Repetitive element sequence (rep)-based PCR markers of 101 isolates from Eucalyptus spp. and five from guava showed that the populations of E. psidii displayed a relatively low genetic variability. No correlation of genetic clustering based on rep-PCR analysis with geographic origin or host of origin was observed, indicating that genome rearrangements associated with adaptation to a particular host were not detected by these molecular markers. A higher genotypic richness was detected in the Mato Grosso do Sul population, probably reflecting a pathogen dissemination associated with the recent expansion in eucalypt plantations. Wilcoxon and ANOVA tests of disease severity data indicated differences in aggressiveness among isolates and an isolate × clone interaction. The area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC) and disease severity for some isolates were significantly different between two susceptible clones tested. Notably, isolate LPF681 from guava was not able to cause disease on a susceptible Eucalyptus urophylla clone, suggesting that some co-evolution between pathogen and host has taken place. The variability in aggressiveness and virulence among isolates of E. psidii observed in this study will be important for the establishment of appropriate screening approaches to select for disease resistance.     

DNA条形码技术在小花蝽属昆虫分类鉴定中的应用

本研究利用DNA条形码技术对13种小花蝽属Orius Wolff昆虫进行了鉴定,进行了59条COI基因序列碱基组成及种内、种间遗传距离的分析,采用邻接法、最大简约法、贝叶斯推论法构建了系统发育树。结果表明,小花蝽属昆虫COI基因序列碱基组成与典型的昆虫线粒体DNA一致,A+T平均含量(66.4%)明显高于G+C含量,密码子的第3位A+T含量高达90.7%,碱基替换多为同义替换;13种小花蝽种内平均遗传距离为0.008,种间平均遗传距离为0.128,种内、种间遗传距离没有重叠区域。3种方法构建的系统发育树的聚类分析与形态学鉴定结果基本一致,除微小花蝽Orius minutus(Linnaeus)可能存在隐存种现象外,其他同一种群的不同个体单独聚为一支。利用DNA条形码技术对小花蝽属昆虫进行物种快速分子鉴定具有可行性。     

Genetic variability and virulence of Meloidogyne incognita populations from Brazil to resistant cotton genotypes

The root-knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita is widely distributed and a major pathogen of cotton (Gossypium spp.) worldwide. The objectives of this study were to assess the genetic variability and aggressiveness of Brazilian populations of M. incognita in cotton. Five populations of M. incognita and one isolate of M. enterolobii (outgroup) were used in the molecular analysis. Our results showed that only 2.7 % of the RAPD and AFLP fragments were polymorphic. Despite the existence of two races (races 3 and 4) and two esterase phenotypes (I1 and I2), a low genetic variability among populations was observed, which might be due to the mitotic parthenogenetic mode of reproduction of this pathogen. The aggressiveness/virulence among populations towards different cotton genotypes was also studied. None of the populations was virulent to the resistant cotton genotypes M-315 RNR, TX-25, CIR1343, Wild Mexican Jack Jones and CIR1348 (reproduction factor <1). Two populations of M. incognita from the states of Mato Grosso do Sul and Parana (Umuarama) (races 4 and 3, respectively) were highly aggressive to the susceptible control FM966 and virulent to the accessions LA-887 and Clevewilt-6 that showed moderate resistance to other populations tested.     

Control of Xiphinema index populations by fallow plants under greenhouse and field conditions

The dagger nematode Xiphinema index has a high economic impact in vineyards by direct pathogenicity and above all by transmitting the Grapevine fanleaf virus (GFLV). Agrochemicals have been largely employed to restrict the spread of GFLV by reducing X. index populations but are now banned. As an alternative to nematicides, the use of fallow plants between two successive vine crops was assessed. We selected plant species adapted to vineyard soils and exhibiting negative impact on nematodes and we evaluated their antagonistic effect on X. index in greenhouse using artificially infested soil, and in naturally infested vineyard conditions. The screening was conducted with plants belonging to the families Asteraceae (sunflower, marigold, zinnia, and nyjer), Poaceae (sorghum and rye), Fabaceae (white lupin, white melilot, hairy vetch, and alfalfa), Brassicaceae (rapeseed and camelina), and Boraginaceae (phacelia). In the greenhouse controlled assay, white lupin, nyjer, and marigold significantly reduced X. index populations compared with that of bare soil. The vineyard assay, designed to take into account the aggregative pattern of X. index distribution, revealed that marigold and hairy vetch are good candidates as cover crops to reduce X. index populations in vineyard. Moreover, this original experimental design could be applied to manage other soilborne pathogens.     

Genetic diversity and interfertility among highly differentiated populations of Ceratocystis fimbriata in Brazil

Mating studies showed that isolates of the insect‐associated wilt pathogen Ceratocystis fimbriata from Eucalyptus spp., mango, fig, inhame (Colocasia esculenta), Gmelina arborea and sweet potato were interfertile, and progeny from those crosses showed normal segregation for microsatellite markers. Genetic diversity was compared among 13 populations of C. fimbriata collected from six states in Brazil using 15 highly polymorphic microsatellite markers. The gene diversity values of most eucalyptus and mango populations from Minas Gerais, Bahia, Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo states were similar to putatively native populations of Ceratocystis platani and C. cacaofunesta, two other species in the C. fimbriata complex that are homothallic. Index of association values indicated substantial asexual reproduction or selfing in populations on mango and eucalyptus. Most of these eucalyptus and mango populations were not highly differentiated from each other, and these populations and genotypes appeared to be more closely related to each other than to other populations by upgma analyses. By contrast, the G. arborea population from Pará and the fig and inhame populations from São Paulo had relatively low levels of diversity and were highly differentiated from each other and all other studied populations, suggesting that they were from different origins and had gone through genetic bottlenecks. One of the eucalyptus populations in Bahia consisted of a single genotype and may have been introduced to the site in infected cuttings from another Bahia location. Similarly, a mango population from Mato Grosso do Sul consisted of a single genotype, which was identical to one of the genotypes found on mango in São Paulo. Aside from introductions by humans, mating studies and genetic analyses suggest that limited dispersal distance and a high degree of selfing or asexual reproduction lead to local populations of C. fimbriata that have limited diversity but are highly differentiated from other populations.     

Pathogenic and molecular diversity in highly virulent populations of the parasitic weed Orobanche cumana (sunflower broomrape) from Europe

The parasitic weed Orobanche cumana (sunflower broomrape) constrains sunflower production in eastern and southern Europe and in the Middle East. Although genetic resistance is the most effective control method, new parasite races evolve overcoming sunflower resistance. In this work, highly virulent populations of O. cumana were analysed for pathogenicity and genetic diversity. The virulence of 11 populations from Hungary, Romania, Spain and Turkey was assessed and compared after infection of sunflower inbred lines to differentiate races of the parasite under glasshouse conditions. Molecular diversity among and within 27 parasite populations was studied by RAPD‐PCR, UPGMA and amova analyses. Highly virulent race F was identified in Hungary, Spain and Turkey. The most virulent race (G) was also found in Turkey. The molecular analysis among highly virulent populations of O. cumana identified four molecular clusters, respectively, grouping populations from Central Spain, Hungary, South Spain and Turkey. The genetic homogeneity within parasite populations was confirmed, since no molecular divergences were found within them. This work constitutes the first geographical study of O. cumana together with pathogenicity and molecular traits inherent to each geographical group, and provides useful information for possible phylogenetic analyses of O. cumana. In addition, molecular markers associated with geographical origin could be developed and used as diagnostic tools to track new broomrape introductions into areas free of virulent races where they might represent a threat to sunflower production.     

Random amplified polymorphic DNA markers reveal low genetic variation and a single dominant genotype in Eichhornia crassipes populations throughout China

Genetic variation within and between 34 populations of Eichhornia crassipes (water hyacinth) in China was surveyed using random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers. A total of 1009 individuals were analysed, for which 12 RAPD primers amplified 69 reproducible bands, with 22 (32%) being polymorphic. The percentage of polymorphic loci (p) within a population ranged from 4.4% to 17.4%, and the mean Nei's gene diversity (H_e) was 0.046 ± 0.0145, indicating a low genetic diversity of E. crassipes in China. Each population contained at least four RAPD phenotypes (genotypes), and the same particular genotype was invariably dominant in all the populations sampled. The mean proportion of distinguishable genotypes was 0.29. Analysis of molecular variance revealed a large proportion of genetic variation (83.9%) residing within populations and a slightly larger proportion (88.1%) within localities, indicating a low genetic differentiation of E. crassipes populations, both locally and regionally. Human-mediated dispersal, vigorous clonal growth, and a generally low level of sexual reproduction were thought to be responsible for such a pattern of genetic structure.     

Host suitability of Vitis rootstocks to root‐knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) and the dagger nematode Xiphinema index,and plant damage caused by infections

The host suitability of commercial Vitis rootstocks commonly used in Spain (161‐49C, 41B, 1103P, 110R, 140Ru and SO4) to root‐knot nematodes (Meloidogyne arenaria, M. incognita, M. javanica) and Xiphinema index, and damage caused by nematode infection were determined under controlled conditions. The three root‐knot nematodes reproduced with a rate higher than one in all rootstocks, indicating that they are suitable hosts for these nematodes. Growth of rootstocks infected with the root‐knot nematodes was less vigorous than that of nematode‐uninfected controls in the majority of the rootstocks studied. Root infection resulted in moderate to severe root galling in all rootstocks. The shoot and main stem diameters appeared to be the most sensitive variables of damage caused by infection by Meloidogyne spp., with reduction rates from 36% and 53% in 161‐49C to 57% and 66% in 140Ru, respectively. The shoot height was not significantly affected by the root‐knot nematodes and the root fresh weight generally increased as a consequence of intensive galling. The nematode X. index caused significant root damage with a reproduction factor higher than one in all rootstocks. However, reproduction factor was significantly influenced by the rootstock and significantly decreased by about 12‐fold (5·7 to 18·1‐fold) with the increase in inoculum density from 100 to 1000 nematodes per plant. The root dry weight was reduced by X. index infections, and was the plant growth variable most affected by the nematode infection in all rootstocks at both inoculum densities. Meloidogyne arenaria, M. incognita, M. javanica and X. index, prevalent in many world vineyards, are all shown to have a damaging effect on the six tested rootstocks.     

Genetic variability of Meloidogyne paranaensis populations and their aggressiveness to susceptible coffee genotypes

Meloidogyne paranaensis is one of the most destructive root‐knot nematode (RKN) species parasitizing coffee in Brazil and in the Americas generally. The objectives of this study were to assess the genetic variability, aggressiveness and virulence of seven different M. paranaensis populations on susceptible and resistant Coffea spp. All seven RKN populations were identified by biochemical and molecular methods. Coffee seedlings were inoculated in the greenhouse, and the nematode reproduction factor was used to infer their reproduction on coffee genotypes. Phylogenetic studies showed a low genetic variability in M. paranaensis populations, regardless of the existence of three esterase phenotypes (Est P1, P2 and P2a), except for the population Est P2a from Guatemala, which is genetically different from other M. paranaensis populations from Brazil. The Est P2a and Est P2 (Herculândia, SP, Brazil) populations were the most aggressive on two susceptible C. arabica cultivars under greenhouse conditions. None of the M. paranaensis populations were virulent on resistant coffee genotypes, confirming their resistance to the seven M. paranaensis populations tested. The resistant coffee cultivars, namely Clone 14 INCAPER, Catuaí Vermelho × Amphillo MR2161 (E1 16‐5 III), Apoatã IAC 2258, Timor Hybrid UFV 408‐01 (E1 6‐6 II) and IPR 100, exhibited segregation for resistance in the ratio of 0%, 2.4%, 12%, 26% and 29%, respectively. These are promising results, because they validate resistance against several M. paranaensis populations in different Coffea spp. genetic resources, which can be used in breeding programmes or as rootstocks, such as Apoatã IAC 2258 and Clone 14 INCAPER.     

Geographical Genetic Structure of Xylella fastidiosa from Citrus in São Paulo State, Brazil

ABSTRACT A total of 360 Xylella fastidiosa strains were isolated from sweet orange (Citrus sinensis) cv. Pera plants growing in five geographic regions in the Brazilian state of S?o Paulo. The genetic variation of these strains was determined by 15 variable number tandem repeat (VNTR) and 58 random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers. The mean values of genetic diversity (H) of X. fastidiosa strains within each geographic region determined by RAPD (H(RAPD)) were substantially lower than H(VNTR) values. H(RAPD) values ranged from 0.00 to 0.095, whereas the H(VNTR) values ranged from 0.024 to 0.285. A highly significant value of Nei's coefficient of gene differentiation (G(ST) = 0.355; P = 0.000) was detected among all five populations. Analysis of the molecular variance (AMOVA) also revealed significant genetic differentiation among regions or populations ( phi(STAT) = 0.810; P< 0.001). In addition, genetic differentiation among subpopulations (plants) within the regions (phi(STAT) = 0.699; P < 0.001) and within each plant (phi(STAT) = 368; P < 0.001) were statistically significant. These high values of genetic differentiation among X. fastidiosa strains from different regions suggest a genetic structure according to region of host origin. However, no apparent correlation between genetic distance and region of origin of populations were supported statistically by Mantel analysis (r = 0.27; P = 0.22).     

The main parasitic nematodes on agricultural crops in Albania and their control1

From studies carried out on soil and root samples from the different agricultural crops in Albania, the following nematode genera have been detected: Meloidogyne, Ditylenchus, Tylenchulus, Globodera, Heterodera, Xiphinema, Pratylenchus, Helicotylenchus, Paratylenchus, Longidorus and Rotylenchus. The commonest species of nematodes are: M. incognita, X. pachtaicum, D. dipsaci, D. destructor, T. semipenetrans, G. rostochiensis, H. schachtii and P. penetrans. Trials on chemical control of root-knot nematodes on tomato have indicated that methyl bromide (500 kg ha^-1) and dichloropropane/dichloropropene are still the best chemicals. Certification of garlic crops, with selection of bulbs before and after sowing, has increased garlic yields to 5–10t ha^-1. Chemical methods to control D. dipsaci are not usually economical.     

Extent and pattern of genetic differentiation within and between European populations of Phelipanche ramosa revealed by amplified fragment length polymorphism analysis

The extent and pattern of genetic differentiation between Phelipanche ramosa populations colonising tobacco in different European regions were investigated by amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) analysis, in order to determine levels of variation for tobacco resistance breeding and management programmes. Four different AFLP primer pairs amplified a total of 1050 clear and reproducible bands, of which 962 (91.62%) were polymorphic among the 35 individuals taken from four P. ramosa populations collected in Spain, Italy, Bulgaria and Germany. Cluster analysis based on the AFLP data categorised the plants into distinct groups, in line with their geographical origin, denoting clear genetic differentiation among the four populations. This differentiation was supported by both high bootstrap values and significant results of the analysis of molecular variance. The most divergent population was the one from Bulgaria. The majority of the genetic diversity was attributable to differences among populations (77.80%), as expected from the predominant autogamous behaviour of this species. Populations differed significantly in within-population diversity, as measured by Shannon's information index. The German population presented the lowest genetic diversity and the Italian population harboured the highest level of within-population genetic diversity. There are significant differences in genetic diversity level among the studied P. ramosa populations and clear population-specific genetic diversity structures. These need to be taken into account, together with the potential differences in parasite aggressiveness, when planning breeding and management strategies for P. ramosa control in tobacco cultivation.     

Head-blighting populations of Fusarium culmorum from Germany, Russia, and Syria analyzed by microsatellite markers show a recombining structure

Fusarium culmorum is a haploid, worldwide occurring phytopathogenic fungus causing seedling blight, foot rot, and head blight of cereals and producing the mycotoxins deoxynivalenol (DON) and nivalenol (NIV) associated with health hazards in human and animals. The fungus reproduces asexually by conidiospores, a teleomorph is not known. We analyzed for the first time naturally occurring F. culmorum populations collected randomly in the field from infected wheat heads. A total of 186 isolates, from three populations from Germany (GER), Russia (RUS), Syria (SYR), as well as an international collection (INT) for comparison, were genotyped by 10 microsatellite (SSR, single sequence repeat) markers. A high genetic diversity within the three natural populations and the INT population as well was detected. About 90 % of multi-locus haplotypes (MLH) were unique across populations. The largest part of variance (81 %) was found within populations. Accordingly, population subdivision was low, fixation indices were significant only in one out of six comparisons, while estimates of gene flow (N _m ) ranged from 0.8–4.8. Linkage equilibrium was revealed by the index of multi-locus association and the quotient of observed and expected variance when two linked markers were deleted. DON and NIV chemotypes grouped closely together in a principle coordinate analysis. SYR isolates were partly separated from GER and RUS populations. All population-genetic parameters were in a similar range compared to those for the sexually propagating species F. graminearum. In conclusion, results support the hypothesis of a recombining structure in F. culmorum as revealed by the high genetic variation within populations, a low fixation index and low gametic phase disequilibrium within populations.