Genetic diversity of Fusarium semitectum isolates from rice, using RAPD and REP-PCR markers

In order to determine genetic variability among 33 isolates of Fusarium semitectum, morpho- logical and molecular studies were carried out. Isolates from different paddy fields in the north of Iran were separated from each other in four morphotype groups. The isolates showed a high level of variation in aerial mycelium, color of colony, number of septa and growth rate on potato dextrose agar (PDA). Comparison between morphological and molecular methods revealed that in some cases, the groupings of isolates based on morphological method was consistent with molecular groupings with a few exceptions. The results indicate that RAPD-PCR and REP-PCR could be used for monitoring intraspecific genetic variability within F. semitectum.