Occurrence and distribution of mating types A1 and A2 of Phytophthora infestans (Mont.) de Bary in the Czech Republic

Abstract

A total of 199 Phytophthora infestans isolates were obtained from leaves, tubers and fruits of infected crops of potato and tomato in different regions of the Czech Republic in 2003, 2004 and 2005. They were analysed for mating type using the conventional pairing assay and PCR markers; 107 isolates were of A1 and 92 of A2 mating type. No self-fertile isolate was found. Our study is the first report of the presence and distribution of the A2 mating type of P. infestans in the Czech Republic. The co-existence of the two mating types may enable the pathogen to reproduce sexually, thus enhancing the diversity of its population countrywide.

Keywords

• potato late blight
• mating types
• pcr
• caps