Generation of a ribosomal DNA probe by PCR and its use in identification of fungi within the Gaeumannomyces-Phialophora complex

The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to amplify a ribosomal DNA fragment from Gaeumannomyces graminis. This fragment was labelled and tested for its usefulness as a probe in restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) studies of fungi within the Gaeumannomyces-Phialophora complex. When the probe was hybridized to Eco RI digests of DNA from these fungi, there were consistent band pattern differences between the three varieties of G. graminis ( tritici, avenae and graminis ). This method of probe production, which is more rapid than many others currently used, has considerable potential for use in the identification of these organisms, and may also be applicable to other groups of fungi.