Author(s): GRAMACHO, K. P.; RISTERUCCI, A. M.; LANAUD, C.; BAHIA, C.; LOPES, U. V.; GESTEIRA, A. da S.; ARAÚJO, M. R.

Summary: Witches' broom disease of cacao (Theobroma cacao L.), caused by Crinipellis perniciosa (Stahel) Singer, is the most importam disease of cacao in the cacao growing areas of South America and Caribbean Tslands. Very little is known about the genetic biology of the pathogen population, and this infonnation is very importam to the host improvement programs and deployment of resistant planting material. A collaborative America Countries intemational program was initiated to identify and describe the genetic diversity of Crinipellis perniciosa in South America. Microsatellites (SSR) constitute highly infonnative genetic markers for popuJation genetic studies due to their co-dominant and multiallelic nature and distribution in the genome. SSR primers were searched in the C.perniciosa genome data base and designed as potential candidates to define an efficient, standardized, molecular fingerprinting protocol for this pathogen. These primers have been evaluated for reliability, widespread disttibution across the C.perniciosa genome and their ability to discriminate isolates ofthis fungus. The final objective here is to study the diversity structure ofthe C. perniciosa population from the main cacao growing area in South America countries. Preliminary results are reported.

Publication year: 2005

Types of publication: Journal article

Unit: Embrapa Cassava & Fruits

Keywords: Cacau, Doença de planta, Moniliophthora perniciosa, Theobroma Cacao, Vassoura de Bruxa