Characterization of Trichoderma Isolates from Philippine Rice Fields by UP-PCR and rDNA-ITS1 Analysis: Identification of UP-PCR Markers

Forty!two isolates of Trichoderma from rice _elds in four provinces in the Philippines were characterized using rDNA!ITS0 analysis and universally primed polymerase chain reaction "UP!PCR#[ Two groups were clearly dis! tinguishable on the basis of length and restriction pattern of the internal transcribed spacer "ITS# region of the ribosomal DNA and UP!PCR banding pro_les using UP primer\ L34[ The 39 isolates comprising the largest group were very similar with respect to their UP!PCR banding pro_les and were assigned to Trichoderma harzianum Rifai following morphological identi_cation of four of the isolates[ The two isolates belonging to the second group were identi_ed as Trichoderma viride Pers[ ex[ Gray on the basis of their morphology\ rDNA!ITS0 analysis and distinct UP!PCR banding pro_les[ One of the T[ harzianum isolates with good cellulolytic and competitive saprophytic abilities was analysed using single and pair! wise combinations of UP primers in order to distinguish it from the remaining 30 isolates[ A suitable diagnostic marker was identi_ed and this marker will be valuable for monitoring the isolate in _eld tests[