Genetic diversity by molecular markers in Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense in Santa Catarina State

Panama disease, caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense (FOC), is one of the major disease of banana crop. The use of resistant cultivars is the recommended control method, but the assessment of the pathogen genetic diversity is necessary for the development of long-term management strategies. This study aimed to analyze the genetic variability of isolates of FOC in Santa Catarina state, using RAPD and SSR molecular markers. It was evaluated 64 isolates collected in the producing regions of Santa Catarina state, where 100% of them were pathogenic to banana cv. 'Enxerto'. Cluster analysis by molecular markers revealed variability among the isolates. Both molecular techniques were effective in separating the isolates into tree distinct groups and, in general, led to similar grouping. Three isolates (CO16, JS23 and JS26) were genetically more distant in dendograms of similarity.