Population structure of C hrysoporthe austroafricana in southern A frica determined using V egetative C ompatibility G roups ( VCG s)

Summary Chrysoporthe austroafricana is one of the most damaging pathogens of E ucalyptus trees in southern Africa. It also occurs on non‐native T ibouchina granulosa trees and native S yzygium 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 VCG s to consider the diversity in populations of isolates collected in various countries in southern Africa ( M alawi, M ozambique, N amibia, S outh A frica and Z ambia) and from different hosts. We also wanted to determine whether there are shared VCG s among these countries and hosts in southern Africa and establish a VCG tester strain database. Results showed a high diversity amongst isolates from different countries and hosts, but suggested little movement of VCG s among countries or hosts based on the available isolates. A total of 108 VCG tester strains were identified for southern A frica.