Genetic diversity and pathogenicity traits of Botrytis spp. isolated from horticultural hosts.

Abstract

Botrytis cinerea is an economically important pathogen that can infect more than 200 plant species. It has been demonstrated that B. cinerea species has a complex genetic structure with partially isolated genetic groups. The high degree of genotypic diversity results in high variability of biological traits among different genetic groups, including traits important for pathogenicity of the fungus. This study assessed the variation of genetic structure and pathogenicity traits of Botrytis spp. isolates originating from different horticultural plants and different geographic locations. 18 isolates with distinct morphological-cultural properties specific to B. cinerea, B. squamosa and B. aclada were prepared. Assessment of genetic polymorphism using amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) method revealed high genetic diversity among the selected Botrytis spp. isolates. There was no obvious specificity for plant host or geographic location within the B. cinerea population represented by the selected isolates. Investigation of pathogenicity traits of B. cinerea isolates originating from strawberry fruits showed variations in respect of their cultural, morphological characteristics. Different degree of virulence on different strawberry plant parts was observed for the three isolates.