Characterisation of novel Fusarium graminearum microsatellite markers in different Fusarium species from various countries

Fifteen novel microsatellite markers were isolated from Fusarium graminearum. The level of polymorphism at these novel and 13 previously published microsatellite markers was analysed in 33 F. graminearum strains from Europe, North America, and Nepal. The number of alleles for each of the novel markers ranged from 4 to 20 and gene diversity from 0.417 to 0.962. In comparison with the previously published markers, the resolution for distinguishing among different strains was slightly increased. Twenty-seven markers were also detectable in three F. culmorum strains and one F. crookwellense strain. None of the markers was detected in three F. avenaceum and four F. poae strains, underlining the potential use of these microsatellite markers for species differentiation.