DNA RFLPs distinguish ectomycorrhizal fungi

• Published in: Agriculture, ecosystems & environment ecosystems & environment, 1990, Vol.28 (1), p.431-435
• Main Authors: Rygiewicz, Paul T., Fowles, Nanci L., Armstrong, John L.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0167-8809; 1873-2305
• DOI: 10.1016/0167-8809(90)90075-O

DNAs were extracted from two saprophytic and three mycorrhizal genera and digested with four restriction nucleases. The DNA fragments of varying lengths were separated by gel electrophoresis into patterns called restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs). The RFLPs were hybridized with a radioactive DNA probe encoding Basidiomycetous ribosomal RNA genes. The five genera were distinguished using both unprobed and probed RFLPs. Hybridization of probe DNA and RFLPs was different for all nine Laccaria bicolor and L. laccata isolates examined, permitting identification to the isolate level. The data supported the recent reclassification of a L. bicolor isolate (previously L. laccata), demonstrating that hybridization of RFLPs offers a tool for taxonomy of ectomycorrhizal fungi. The methods may have field application for distinguishing known isolates if their DNA fingerprints are previously ascertained and are distinct from RFLPs of indigenous organisms.