Molecular analysis of intraspecific variation between building and 'wild' isolates of Serpula lacrymans and their relatedness to S-himantioides

Relationships between Serpula lacrymans and S. himantioides isolates of 'wild' Himalayan woodland and building (European and Australian) origin were examined using RAPD-PCR and ITS rDNA sequence comparison. GelCompar analysis of the genetic fingerprints of eighteen isolates using four RAPD-primer combinations clearly distinguished S. lacrymans and S. himantioides. Little intraspecific variation was observed in S. lacrymans (including isolates of Himalayan woodland origin), relative to S. himantioides. Despite previously reported differences in growth rates and decay capabilities of 'wild' Himalayan woodland S. lacrymans isolates and those from buildings. RAPD fingerprints and ITS sequences indicated they were genetically similar. Interspecific ITS sequence polymorphisms were consistent with other studies and clearly demonstrated S. himantioides and S. lacrymans were distinct taxa. Evolutionary questions regarding the origins of S, lacrymans are discussed.