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Title: Microsatellite markers for Sclerotinia subarctica nom. prov., a new vegetable pathogen of the High North

Author
item Winton, Loretta
item Krohn, Andrew
item LEINER, ROSEANN - UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA

Submitted to: Molecular Ecology Notes
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/6/2007
Publication Date: 11/20/2007
Citation: Winton, L.M., Krohn, A.L., Leiner, R.H. 2007. Microsatellite markers for Sclerotinia subarctica nom. prov., a new vegetable pathogen of the High North. Molecular Ecology Notes. 7(6):1077-1079.

Interpretive Summary: Sclerotinia subarctica nom. prov. is a fungus which causes white mold diseases on several vegetable crops in Alaska. It was first found on wild plants in Norway, and has not yet been named. This fungus causes identical symptoms as the cosmopolitan and closely related Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, and the two fungi frequently cause disease together. We have developed eight genetic markers from the DNA of Sclerotinia subarctica. These variable markers will allow studies to determine the population structure and reproductive strategy of Sclerotinia subarctica in agricultural and natural systems, as well as possible hybridization with Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. The availability of these markers will be of immediate use to scientists conducting population studies on Sclerotinia subarctica. Such studies may eventually suggest management strategies to control existing populations of the pathogen and preventative measures to limit its colonization of new areas.

Technical Abstract: Eight polymorphic microsatellite loci were isolated from the ascomycete fungus Sclerotinia subarctica nom. prov. In Alaska, this pathogen causes white mold vegetable diseases sympatrically with the cosmopolitan and closely related Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. Eighteen alleles were observed across the 41 isolates tested and ranged from 2 to 3 alleles per locus. Together, the alleles from the eight polymorphic loci yielded only four haploid multilocus genotypes and exhibited significant linkage disequilibrium, reflecting extreme selfing and clonal vegetative reproduction.