• The Plant Pathology Journal
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• v.31 no.2
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• pp.97-107
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• 2015

Alteration of genetic make-up of the isolates and mono-sporidial strains of Tilletia indica causing Karnal bunt (KB) disease in wheat was analyzed using DNA markers and SDS-PAGE. The generation of new variation with different growth characteristics is not a generalized feature and is not only dependant on the original genetic make up of the base isolate/monosporidial strains but also on interaction with host. Host determinant(s) plays a significant role in the generation of variability and the effect is much pronounced in monosporidial strains with narrow genetic base as compared to broad genetic base. The most plausible explanation of genetic variation in presence of host determinant(s) are the recombination of genetic material from two different mycelial/sporidia through sexual mating as well as through parasexual means. The morphological and development dependent variability further suggests that the variation in T. indica strains predominantly derived through the genetic rearrangements.

• The Plant Pathology Journal
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.303-316
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• 2009

Genetic variation among the base isolates and monosporidial strains derived from these isolates of Tilletia indica- the causal agent of Karnal bunt (KB) in wheat, was analyzed by morphological, growth behaviors and RAPD-ISSR based molecular polymorphism. Genetic make up of fungal cultures vary among each other. The magnitude of variation in KBPN group is less (narrow genetic base) when compared to the other groups KB3, KB9 and JK (broad genetic base) reflecting that variability is a genetically governed process. The generation of new variation with different growth characteristics is not a generalized feature and is totally dependant on the original genetic make-up of the base isolate generating new monosporidial strains. Thus, it can be concluded that monosporidial strains derived from mono-teliosporic isolate, consists of genetically heterogeneous population. The morphological and genetic variability further suggests that the variation in T. indica strains is predominantly derived through the genetic rearrangements through para sexual means.