Genetic Diversity Detected by Vegetative Compatibility Test among Different isolates of Cylindrocladium quinqueseptatum Causing Leaf and Twig Blight in Eucalyptus sp.

Abstract

The Cylindrocladium quinqueseptatum is soil borne pathogen causing leaf and twig blight in Eucalyptus nurseries, has a wide host range, common in Europe and Asia. Under present investigation fifteen isolates were recorded from diseased tissues of Eucalyptus from North Indian states viz, Punjab, Haryana, Himanchal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh. These isolates were categorised in five different VCGs (Vegetative Compatibility Groups) on the basis of vegetative compatibility test. Out of 15 isolates studied, 8 isolates showed free intermingling with maximum combinations and placed under VCG1 and indicates the vegetative compatibility. Four isolates grouped into VCG2 which showed tuft formation, a kind of non-self fusion and indicates incompatibility. Three isolates 294, 145 and 138 respectively placed under VCG3, VCG4 and VCG5 on the basis of gap reaction, barrage reaction and line gap reaction and showed incompatibility. Based on above findings, it was concluded that vegetative compatibility test can be used for studying diversity and taxonomy of the fungi.