Genetic differentiation and clonal expansion of Chinese Botrytis cinerea populations from tomato and other crops in China

Authors: DIAO, YONGZHAO - China Agricultural University; Larsen, Meredith; KAMVAR, Z - Oregon State University; ZHANG, CAN - China Agricultural University; WANG, WEIZHEN - China Agricultural University; LI, DONG - China Agricultural University; PENG, QING - China Agricultural University; Knaus, Brian; FOSTER, ZACH - Oregon State University; Grunwald, Niklaus - Nik; LIU, XILI - China Agricultural University

Submitted to: Phytopathology
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 8/18/2019
Publication Date: 12/9/2019
Citation: Diao, Y., Larsen, M.M., Kamvar, Z.N., Zhang, C., Wang, W., Li, D., Peng, Q., Knaus, B.J., Foster, Z.S., Grunwald, N.J., Liu, X. 2019. Genetic differentiation and clonal expansion of Chinese Botrytis cinerea populations from tomato and other crops in China. Phytopathology. 110(2):428-439. https://doi.org/10.1094/PHYTO-09-18-0347-R.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1094/PHYTO-09-18-0347-R

Interpretive Summary: The fungal plant pathogen Botrytis cinerea is an important pathogen of vegetable and fruit crops but little is known about its population structure and genetics in China. In this study, we collected isolates from tomato, cherry, and nectarine from 2006 to 2014 in China. We used newly developed and existing genetic markers to characterize genetic diversity in these populations. High genetic diversity was detected in all populations, and clonal reproduction was dominant. Our results provide useful, novel information for plant breeding programs and control of B. cinerea in China.

Technical Abstract: Botrytis cinerea is an important pathogen of vegetable and fruit crops but little is known about its population structure and genetics in China. In this study, we collected 393 B. cinerea isolates representing 28 populations from tomato, cherry, and nectarine from 2006 to 2014 in China. The isolates were analyzed using 14 microsatellite markers, including six new markers that provided more genotyping power than the eight previously published loci. We also investigated the B. cinerea population structure, mode of reproduction, genetic differentiation, and dispersal. High genotypic diversity was detected in all populations, and clonal reproduction was dominant. Southern China populations harbored more genotypes than northern populations. Differentiation by host plant was evident. Between 2011 and 2012, genotypes changed only slightly among years for Liaoning populations, but changed substantially among years for the Shanghai and Fujian populations. Clonal dispersal was detected and the farthest dispersal distance was estimated to be about 1717 km. Two high-frequency genotypes were widely distributed in more than 10 populations and across several years. Our results provide useful, novel information for plant breeding programs and control of B. cinerea in China.