Use of random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) to identify races 1, 2, 4 and 8 of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. dianthi in Italy

The RAPD fingerprinting procedure was used in combination with pathogenicity assays on differential cultivars to characterize a representative collection of 72 Fusarium spp. isolates of different geographic origin collected from diseased carnation. In F. oxysporum f. sp. dianthi, isolates were grouped according to the physiologic race: group 1 included isolates of race 4; group 2 was formed by isolates of race 2 and single representatives of races 5 and 6; group 3 included isolates of races 1 and 8. No correlation was found between RAPD data and geographic origin of the isolates tested: representatives of race 2 isolated in Italy, Israel and Japan had the same amplification profile. Three isolates which showed a low level of pathogenicity on all carnation cultivars tested shared an identical amplification pattern and are probably saprophytic F. oxysporum. Finally, two F. redolens isolates from Japan and seven non-pathogenic isolates of F. proliferatum collected from diseased carnation in Italy, Israel and The Netherlands were clearly distinguishable according to their RAPD fingerprint. The results are discussed in relation to previous studies on the genetic diversity of F. oxysporum f. sp. dianthi and to the development of forma specialis- and pathotype-specific diagnostic tools.