TRANSMISSION OF HYPOVIRULENCE AGENTS AMONG SOME CRYPHONECTRIA-PARASITICA STRAINS FROM ITALY

Six hypovirulent (H) strains of Cryphonectria parasitica collected in Italy were tested for dsRNA content, virulence, and conversion ability. Nine converts were also checked for dsRNA. In inoculation trials, H and converted (C) strains showed reduced pathogenicity. Most H and C strains were able to convert strains from various v-c groups. DsRNA banding patterns were similar in five of the H strains and in their converts, while the last one and its converts showed no evidence of dsRNA. The broad conversion ability of H strains seems to be responsible for the natural recovery of Italian chestnut trees.