Genetic exchange among three heterothallic Phytophthora spp., P. nicotianae, P. capsici and P. citrophthora each representing mating type A2, was induced via zoospore fusion. Viable offspring colonies that developed following fusion expressed differential drug resistance of each parental mutant. Detection of DNA with species specific sequences and by means of the polymerase chain reaction confirmed somatic hybrid formation in one of three isolates. By overcoming sexual incompatibility of zoosporic fungi, somatic fusion now improves access to direct study of molecular aspects of population variability.
Érsek T., English J. T., Schoelz J. E. (1997): Triparental species hybrids from fused zoospores of Phytophthora. – Czech Mycology 50(1): 13–20.
