Population Genetics of Hirsutella rhossiliensis, a Dominant Parasite of Cyst Nematode Juveniles on a Continental Scale
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abstract
ABSTRACTHirsutella rhossiliensis
is a parasite of juvenile nematodes, effective against a diversity of plant-parasitic nematodes. Its global distribution on various nematode hosts and its genetic variation for several geographic regions have been reported, while the global population genetic structure and factors underlying patterns of genetic variation of
H. rhossiliensis
are unclear. In this study, 87
H. rhossiliensis
strains from five nematode species (
Globodera
sp.,
Criconemella xenoplax
,
Rotylenchus robustus
,
Heterodera schachtii
, and
Heterodera glycines
) in Europe, the United States, and China were investigated by multilocus sequence analyses. A total of 280 variable sites (frequency, 0.6%) at eight loci and six clustering in high accordance with geographic populations or host nematode-associated populations were identified. Although
H. rhossiliensis
is currently recognized as an asexual fungus, recombination events were frequently detected. In addition, significant genetic isolation by geography and nematode hosts was revealed. Overall, our analyses showed that recombination, geographic isolation, and nematode host adaptation have played significant roles in the evolutionary history of
H. rhossiliensis
.
IMPORTANCEH. rhossiliensis
has great potential for use as a biocontrol agent to control nematodes in a sustainable manner as an endoparasitic fungus. Therefore, this study has important implications for the use of
H. rhossiliensis
as a biocontrol agent and provides interesting insights into the biology of this species.
