Phylogenetic analysis of Plenodomus lingam and Plenodomus biglobosus isolates in Hungary

Blackleg (stem canker) of crucifers is a globally important disease caused by multiple genetic subclades of the fungi Plenodomuslingam (syn.: Leptosphaeria maculans) and Plenodomus biglobosus (syn.: Leptosphaeria biglobosa). In our study, we monitored the geographical distribution of these two pathogen species from rapeseed growing areas in Hungary. Multiplex PCR identified 48.7% of the isolates as Plenodomus biglobosus, which indicates the non-recent introduction of the pathogen into Hungary. In addition, multi-locus analysis revealed low genetic diversity within the species, as all isolates were clustered to the Plenodomuslingam 'brassicae' and Plenodomus biglobosus 'brassicae' subclades. The low genetic diversity of a population generally means reduced adaptation potential, which is essential information in breeding and in developing more effective management strategies.

Automated summary

This study monitored the geographic distribution of two pathogenic fungi species causing blackleg (stem canker) of crucifers in rapeseed growing areas in Hungary. Molecular PCR analysis identified 48.7% of the isolates as Plenodomus biglobosus, indicating the non-recent introduction of the pathogen into Hungary. Multi-locus analysis revealed low genetic diversity within both species, clustering all isolates to specific subclades, which has important implications for breeding and developing management strategies.