Mitochondrial genetics in a natural population of the plant pathogen armillaria

Abstract

Transmission and propagation of mitochondrial genotypes in fungi have not been previously investigated in the field. This study examined the distribution of nuclear and mitochondrial genotypes in a natural, local population of the fungal (Basidiomycetes) root-rot pathogen, Armillaria. Six vegetative clones, ranging in size up to 635 m, were identified on the basis of mating-type alleles. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) restriction fragment patterns indicated that each vegetative clone has one, unique mtDNA type. However, as in other basidiomycetous fungi, biparental transmission of mitochondria following laboratory matings of sexually compatible haploid isolates of Armillaria resulted in a uniformly diploid mycelium that was a mosaic for both parental mitochondrial types. Therefore, either matings between monosporous, haploid isolates are uncommon in nature, or when mating does occur, cytoplasmic markers of one partner predominate during subsequent vegetative growth.