Isozyme Variability in Isolates of Some Facultative Phytopathogenic Fungi

Gel electrophoresis was used to examine the variation in isozymes within and between the facultative pathogen species Septoria nodorum, Ustilago maydis and Rhynchosporium secalis. Variation was found in all three species, U. maydis being the most variable. The variation between isolates of R. secalis was sometimes unstable, reflecting variability in other characters. The determinants of isozyme variability, particularly in relationship to the general biology of different fungi, are discussed.