The population structure of Armillaria ostoyae in the southern interior of British Columbia

The population structure of Armillaria ostoyae (Romagn.) Herink was investigated at a study site in the interior cedar-hemlock zone of the southern interior of British Columbia. Eight 500-m long, randomly placed transects located at least 500 m apart were systematically sampled and individual genets were delineated using Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis. Average genet intersect length was 79 m, and an estimated 88% of the area surveyed was occupied by genets <2 ha in size. The spatial distribution of genets in relation to one another was quite complex, with isolates of the same genet often non-contiguous along the transect. The location of genets could not be determined from aboveground symptom expression. Isolates collected from adjacent hosts within small groups of symptomatic hosts (infection foci) did not necessarily belong to the same genet, but single genets could occupy several infection foci. There was no relationship between geographic distance and genetic similarity of genets, suggesting random mating events for genet origin and long term maintenance of genetic identity.