Abstract:
Chrysoporthe austroafricana is one of the most damaging pathogens of Eucalyptus
trees in southern Africa. It also occurs on non-native Tibouchina granulosa trees and native
Syzygium species. Additional isolates of the pathogen from previously unstudied countries in
the region have become available from survey studies. The aim of this study was to use
VCGs to consider the diversity in populations of isolates collected in various countries in
southern Africa (Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa and Zambia) and from
different hosts. We also wanted to determine whether there are shared VCGs among these
countries and hosts in southern Africa and establish a VCG tester strain data base. Results
showed a high diversity amongst isolates from different countries and hosts, but suggested
little movement of VCGs among countries or hosts based on the available isolates. A total of
108 VCG tester strains were identified for southern Africa.
