Genetic Diversity of Revealed by Multilocus Sequencing, and Identification of Populations Showing Genetic Isolation and Distinct Host Adaptation.

is a world-wide occurring plant pathogen, causing pre- and post-harvest gray mold rot on a large number of fruit, vegetable, and flower crops. is closely related to , another broad host range species which often occurs in sympatry with , and to several host-specific species including and . populations have been shown to be genetically heterogeneous, and attempts have been made to correlate genetic markers to virulence and host adaptation. Here, we present the development of a multilocus sequence typing (MLST) scheme, with 10 genes selected for high variability and phylogenetic congruence, to evaluate the genetic diversity of , , and . Using PacBio-assisted simultaneous mass sequencing of PCR products, MLST analysis of about 100 strains from diverse geographical origins and years of isolation was performed, which resulted in high-resolution strain differentiation and robust species separation. Several strains formed an as yet unknown population, referred to as group B, which was well separated from all other strains. Furthermore, the gene cluster for biosynthesis of the phytotoxin botcinic acid was missing in B strains. strains from the monocot were found to form a genetically distinct population, and contained an intact gene cluster for production of the red pigment bikaverin, which is usually degenerated in . Remarkably, these strains were much more aggressive on than other strains, which is the first unequivocal example for host specialization in . Our data reveal new insights into the genetic diversity of and provide evidence for intraspecific differentiation and different degrees of host adaptation of this polyphagous necrotrophic pathogen.