Variations and correlations within and between morphology, pathogenicity, and pectolytic enzyme activity in Sclerotinia from Saskatchewan

Abstract

One hundred and fourteen isolates of Sclerotinia from 23 different hosts in many parts of Saskatchewan were grouped, according to their morphology, on minimal medium. Two types of seedling pathogenicity tests on six host species were conducted on at least one isolate from each morphological group and one from each host species. A total of 38 isolates was tested. Assays for pectolytic enzyme activities of the same 38 isolates were done using a defined medium, and Swede turnip and carrot tissue as substrates. Polygalacturonase, pectin transeliminase, and pectin methylesterase were all tested. The results showed that an endopolygalacturonase was probably the most prevalent enzyme. Some isolates also produced exopolygalacturonase and pectin methylesterase, but pectin transeliminase was never detected. There was no correlation between pathogenicity of the isolates and their enzyme activities in vitro or in vivo, suggesting that pectolytic enzymes are not responsible alone for pathogenicity. Agglomerative classification was used to demonstrate relationships between the isolates. However, the isolates did not fall into discrete groups based on morphological, pathological, physiological, or even combined characteristics. Neither were there clear host or geographic associations. This continuous variation rather than a segregated population is consistent with Purdy's "broader concept of the species S. sclerotiorum."