Classification of strains of Fusarium oxysporum on the basis of vegetative compatibility

Abstract

Twenty-one strains of Fusarium oxysporum were classified on the basis of vegetative compatibility or the ability to form hetcrokaryons. Heterokaryon formation was demonstrated by pairing mutants that were unable to reduce nitrate. These "nit mutants" could be recovered without mutagen treatment from selective media containing KClO3. On Czapek's minimal medium the nit mutants had a radial growth rate like that of wild type, but their colonies were very thin. Two genetically different nit mutants were recovered in each of the 21 strains and paired in all combinations on minimal medium. Heterokaryon formation was indicated by dense growth where the two mutant colonies touched. As a result, 16 vegetative compatibility groups (VCGs) were defined such that only strains in the same VCG were vegetatively compatible. In no case was a strain assignable to more than one VCG. There was some evidence for a correlation between VCG and forma specialis. An evolutionary model to explain this correlation is proposed. Vegetative compatibility may be a fast and easy way to distinguish pathotypes of F. oxysporum.