Abstract

DNA fingerprints, based on Enterobacterial Repetitive Intergenic Consensus (ERIC) sites, were investigated as an alternative technique to Vegetative Compatibility Grouping (VCG) in studying populations of Fusarium oxysporum Schlecht. emend. Snyd. & Hans. Isolates of F. oxysporum were recovered from orchids displaying visible signs of root rot. Fifty-two isolates were collected and analysed using both the ERIC DNA fingerprinting technique and Vegetative Compatibility Grouping. Isolates were divided into 17 ERIC groups and 37 VCG groups. Based on its lower level of sensitivity and its rapid and reproducible result, the ERIC DNA fingerprinting was found to be a more appropriate technique for studying diverse populations of F. oxysporum.