All stages of the parasexual cycle required for genetic analysis by haploidization have been demonstrated for Metarhizium anisopliae Metsch. (Sor). Heterokaryons have been synthesized from strains carrying complementing markers, and heterozygotic diploid colonies have been isolated from the heterokaryons. After exposure to benlate or botran, diploid colonies gave rise to a large number of haploid segregants. Analysis of the segregation of eight mutations in three crosses assigned these genes to five possible linkage groups. Use of the parasexual cycle should facilitate genetic analysis of pathogenesis and enhance the usefulness of this fungus for the control of insect pests.

MAGOON, J., and K. MESSING-AL- AIDROOS. 1986. Epistatic relationships and linkage among colour markers of the imperfect entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium anisopliae. Can. J. Genet. Cytol. 28: 96-100 Diploid strains of the imperfect entomopathogen Metarhizium anisopliae were obtained by forced matings of complementary auxotrophic and spore-colour marked mutants. Genetic analysis of diploid and haploid mitotic recombinants suggests the existence of two metabolic pathways for spore pigmentation biosynthesis in Metarhizium anisopliae. Ten markers (two new and eight previously identified) were assigned to five linkage groups.

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