ISSN:
1432-0983
Keywords:
Key wordsAspergillus niger
;
Mycovirus transmission
;
Heterokaryon compatibility
;
Double-stranded RNA
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
Notes:
Abstract The extent of heterokaryon (also termed somatic or vegetative) incompatibility among black Aspergillus strains was examined using nitrate non-utilising mutants selected on chlorate medium. Pairings of complementary mutants showed that somatic compatibility between different strains is exceptional in natural populations of the asexual black Aspergilli. Mycoviruses are present in a considerable fraction of the sampled natural population, but surprisingly, horizontal transfer of mycoviruses only occurs – at least under laboratory conditions – between the (very rare) compatible combinations of strains. Thus, unlike other fungal species, somatic incompatibility in black Aspergilli efficiently blocks virus transfer. Viruses present in black Aspergillus isolates are highly efficiently transmitted to asexual progeny.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s002940050268
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