Distribution and Alteration of Mating Type of Phytophthora capsici Population from Red Pepper in Korea

Distribution and alteration of mating type of Korean population for Phytophthora capsici were monitored from 1995 to 1998. Total 973 isolates collected from 75 pepper fields throughout the country were divided into A1 mating type 573 isolates and A2 mating type 400 isolates. Both mating types were founded in all provinces examined, but the distribution patterns differed between the fields, The single mating type of A1 or A2 isolates was found in some fields, whereas various combinations of both mating types were in all years and provinces surveyed. Ratios of A1 and A2 were varied with years and fields. However, only single mating type either A1 or A2 was detected in some fields. While, in another field located in Gongju, only A2 isolates were detected in 1995 and 1997, but A1 isolates were appeared in 1998. Varied ratios and alterations of A1 and A2 mating type in fields indicate a potential sexual recombination of the fungus, which may cause genetic diversity.