Molecular identification and genetic variation of species isolated from tomatoes using ITS1 sequencing and inter simple sequence repeat methods.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

is one of the most abundant fungi that exists in numerous places around the world. This saprophytic fungus causes diseases in plants and accounts for the spoilage of cereals in warehouses. The aim of this study was to identify isolates based on their morphological characteristics and internal transcribed spacer ribosomal RNA (ITS rRNA) sequencing method. To this end, genetic diversity in the isolates was also examined using inter simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

To conduct this research, a total of 60 tomato samples with black spots were collected from supermarkets in Khorramabad City, Iran, in the winter of 2017. The specimens were cultured on a potato dextrose agar medium. After the purification of the fungus by the single-spore method, the identification of the species was carried out using morphological characteristics and ITS rRNA sequencing by polymerase chain reaction. The genetic diversity of the identified species with four primers was evaluated using the ISSR marker.

RESULTS

Based on the sequencing of the ITS1 region, all the isolates were identified as . Cluster diagrams for the ISSR marker were classified into six distinct groups. The mean polymorphism information content was obtained as 0.35, indicating the effectiveness of the primers in the separation of the isolates.

CONCLUSION

The sequencing of ITS1 led to the identification of species that are morphologically similar. The production of various mycotoxins by species leads to the contamination of livestock and human food. Regarding this, the investigation of the genetic diversity of species using the ISSR marker would facilitate the identification of suitable and effective strategies for controlling the fungal and mycotoxin contamination of human nutrition.