Distribution of Zymoseptoria tritici mating types in Western Poland

Zymoseptoria tritici is one of the most common and economically important pathogens of winter wheat in Poland. Sexual reproduction of the species requires two opposite strains, MAT1-1 and MAT1-2 and it plays a significant role in the genetic structure of the pathogen population. The aim of the study was to determine the distribution of mating types of Z. tritici in western Poland between 2013 and 2016. In total 296 Z. tritici strains were isolated and analysed by means of multiplex PCR assay to identify the mating type. The ratio between MAT1-1 and MAT1-2 was individually assessed each year and showed bidirectional, but statistically insignificant fluctuations in frequency. For the four years the total ratio between MAT1-1 and MAT1-2 isolates was almost equal (1.18). Balanced distribution of mating types in the Z. tritici population may suggest that sexual reproduction has considerable impact on the pathogen’s population structure