An evaluation of Fusarium oxysporum from crucifers based on pathogenicity, isozyme polymorphism, vegetative compatibility, and geographic origin

A global collection of 123 putative isolates of Fusarium oxysporum from crucifers was examined for pathogenicity, isozyme polymorphism, and vegetative compatibility. Of these isolates, 103 were found to be pathogenic on one or more of six differential crucifer cultivars. Three patterns of isozyme polymorphism (electrophoretic types) were found and by means of a nitrate reductase complementation test, three major vegetative compatibility groups were identified that could differentiate among the F. oxysporum pathotypes. Complete correspondence was found among pathotype, electrophoretic type, and vegetative compatibility. It seems appropriate to classify isolates from the Cruciferae into the subspecific taxa, F. oxysporum f.sp. conglutinans, F. oxysporum f.sp. raphani, and F. oxysporum f.sp. matthioli, based on their naturally infected host species, Brassica oleracea, Raphanus sativus, and Matthiola incana, and on estimates of genetic identity. Within formae speciales, races can be identified based on intras...