Abstract Detail

Mycological Section

Moore, Craig [1], Hsiang, Tom [2].

Species-specific primers based on comparative genomic analyses of several Botrytis species.

Botrytis cinerea and B. pseudocinerea from the ascomycetous class Leotiomycetes are pathogenic fungi causing disease on several plant species such as grapes. B. pseudocinerea is a recently reported pathogen which shares morphological features and host ranges with B. cinerea, but is considered genetically distinct on the basis of fungicide sensitivity. To verify their species distinction, the genomes of B. cinerea and B. pseudocinerea we sequenced and assembled in this study. To identify shared genes and their level of homology, a reciprocal BLAST (Basic Local Alignment Search Tool) comparison between the predicted genes of these isolates was done, which revealed that only 79% of the genes were highly conserved (>95% identity), with the rest varying in identity down to 0%. Primers were then designed based on moderately conserved genes between Botrytis species for the purpose of species distinction and rapid identification. Using a select pair of primers, it was possible to distinguish B. cinerea from B. pseudocinerea, and furthermore PCR products from DNA of multiple Botrytis species were generated with these primers, and then were sequenced and analysed and compared to databases to confirm their identity. The designed primers were found to distinguish the different species, and their use will allow for rapid identification of multiple Botrytis species, and eventually more accurate pest control applications.

1 - University of Guelph, School of Environmental Science, 50 Stone Road East, Bovey Bldg, Guelph, Ontario, N1G2W1, Canada
2 - University of Guelph, Environmental Sciences, Guelph, ON, N1G2W1, Canada

Keywords:
Comparative Genomics.

Presentation Type: Poster:Posters for Sections
Session: P
Location: Hall D/The Shaw Conference Centre
Date: Monday, July 27th, 2015
Time: 5:30 PM
Number: PMY064
Abstract ID:1351
Candidate for Awards:None