Vegetative Compatibility Groups ofFusarium proliferatumfrom Asparagus and Comparisons of Virulence, Growth Rates, and Colonization of Asparagus Residues Among Groups

Nitrogen metabolism mutants were selected from 110 isolates of Fusarium proliferatum isolated from four asparagus plantings during 1985 and 1987-1989. These nitrogen metabolism mutants were used in complementation tests for vegetative compatibility. Twenty vegetative compatibility groups (VCGs) were identified, but most (88) isolates fell into six VCGs that were found at more than one location. Isolates in the three most common VCGs (VCGs 5, 7, and 8) contained 19, 15, and 10% of the isolates, respectively, and were found at all locations (...)