Molecular characterisation of Sawadaea anamorphs in Australia

In order to identify the species of Sawadaea in Australia from anamorphic material, the ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer region was amplified from a range of specimens and subjected to RFLP analysis. Specimens of known species were included for comparison. RFLP analysis revealed S. bicornis on Acer negundo, A. rubrum and A. pseudoplatanus, while S. polyfida var. japonica was found on A. japonicum and A. palmatum. This is the first record of S. polyfida var. japonica on A. japonicum. These results agree with reported host ranges for both species in Europe and Asia.