Genetic diversity among Botryosphaeria isolates and their correlation with cell wall–lytic enzyme production

Abstract

Nine isolates of Botryosphaeria spp. were evaluated for their growth and the production of cell wall–lytic enzymes (laccase, pectinase and b–1,3–glucanase) when grown on basal medium in the absence and presence of the laccase inducer, veratryl alcohol (VA). The genetic relationship among the nine isolates collected from different host plants was determined by RAPD analyses. ITS sequence analysis showed eight closely related isolates classified as Botryosphaeria rhodina, and one isolate classified as Botryosphaeria ribis. RAPD analysis resolved the isolates into three main clusters based upon levels of laccase and b–1,3–glucanase activity. There appears to be no correlation between pectinase production and genetic diversity among the nine isolates. However, the strain characterized as B. ribis, positioned out of the main cluster, was found to be the highest producer of pectinases in the presence of VA.