Detection of Mitochondrial DNA Transfer Between Strains After Vegetative Contact in Cryphonectria parasitica. Nibedita Mahanti. Department of Botany and Plant Pathology; Michigan State University, East Lansing 48824-1312 U.S.A. Dennis W. Fulbright. Department of Botany and Plant Pathology; Michigan State University, East Lansing 48824-1312 U.S.A. MPMI 8: 465-467. Accepted 7 February 1995. Copyright 1995 The American Phytopathological Society.

Field isolates of Cryphonecteria parasitica showing a transmissible hypovirulence phenotype not associated with dsRNA viruses have been recovered from surviving chestnut trees in North America. Mitochondrial dysfunction is thought to a play a primary role in the dsRNA-free hypovirulent strains since large amounts of respiration occur via the alternative oxidase pathway. To determine if mitochondrial exchange can occur in C. parasitica, vegetative pairings were established between genetically marked strains. mtDNA from the donor strain could be detected in the recipient strain providing laboratory evidence that field isolates of C. parasitica are capable of exchanging mtDNA with other strains.