RESUMO
Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) with incorporation of fluorescent deoxynucleotides was used to examine the genetic diversity among Beauveria bassiana isolates from Argentina and Brazil. High-resolution DNA fingerprints were generated on line, during polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of amplification products, by automated laser fluorescence analysis. Each isolate displayed a distinct genotype. Cluster analysis showed a high level of variability among these genotypes. No correlation with geographical origin or host was detected. Nevertheless, a phenetic group of 80% similarity represented mainly the isolates exhibiting high virulence against the sugar cane borer, Diatraea saccharalis. Fluorescence-based RAPD fingerprints provide a useful tool for identifying entomopathogenic fungi, and this technique is specially applicable to screening many isolates in population studies. Copyright 1998 Academic Press.
