Development of strain specific molecular markers for the Sclerotinia minor bioherbicide strain IMI 344141

The plant pathogenic fungus, Sclerotinia minor IMI 344141, has been developed as a bioherbicide for broadleaf weed control in turfgrass and a means to differentiate this biocontrol agent from like organisms is required. A strain specific molecular marker was developed to detect and monitor the Sclerotinia minor IMI 344141 bioherbicide strain. The method was based on polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of two sequence-characterized amplified regions (SCAR) primer pairs for a first round PCR, and another two sets of nested primers was used for a second round PCR if higher sensitivity was needed. Sclerotinia minor IMI 344141 was successfully traced from both pure cultures and environmental samples originating from bioherbicide-released field trials. DNA of the S. minor bioherbicide isolate IMI 344141 was detected in the soil 2 months after application, but was not detected in the 3- and 9-month samples after application. When applied as a bioherbicide, S. minor (IMI 344141) did not persist into the following spring season in turf environments. This molecular detection method provides a mechanism to distinguish this isolate from related organisms and a tool to monitor behavior of the biocontrol agent S. minor IMI 344141 in nature, particularly in soil.