Migrational capacity of Fennoscandian populations of Venturia tremulae.

Genetic variation in three multiallelic loci was analysed with Temperature Gradient Gel Electrophoresis in order to assess the genetic population structure of Venturia tremulae var. tremulae in order to understand the evolutionary potential of the pathogen against resistance breeding. Also the identification of the fungus was verified with molecular analysis of reference isolates. The Fst and Gst values were very low indicating no substructuring or restrictions to gene flow between Fennoscandian populations of V. tremulae. The results imply high epidemiological efficiency of the fungus and therefore continuous breeding programme should be implemented for Venturia resistance of aspen.