Genetic Diversity of Trichoderma harzianum Isolates in Sunflower Rhizosphere: The Application of the URP Molecular Marker

The genetic diversity of 77 Trichoderma harzianum isolates collected from sunflower rhizosphere soils in Urmia, Khoy, and Salmas West Azerbaijan province, Iran, was evaluated by using the Universal Rice Primer (URP) molecular marker. DNA band pattern developed seven primers this These produced 186 gene loci, out which 182 loci were polymorphic. Accordingly, calculated, their kinship relations determined cluster analysis NTSYS software package. URP-6R had highest marker index among studied primers, followed URP-1F, URP-4R, URP-25F, implying higher efficiency discriminating between isolates. results showed that URP could discriminate macroscopic morphological characteristics, such as color colony type, potential pigment production culture medium, growth rate. Furthermore, there no significant relationship geographical distribution patterns generated except for a few cases. generally revealed an efficient tool determining T. harzianum.