Variation in Genetic Diversity of Phytophthora infestans Populations in Mexico from the Center of Origin Outwards.

The Toluca valley, located in central Mexico, is thought to be the center of origin of the potato late blight pathogen Phytophthora infestans. We characterized over 500 individuals of P. infestans sampled from populations with a geographical distance of more than 400 km in six regions adjacent to the Toluca valley in three states including Michoacán, Mexico, and Tlaxcala. Our sampling occurred on a predominant east to west gradient and showed significant genetic differentiation. The most western sampling location found in Michoacán was most differentiated from the other populations. Populations from San Gerónimo, Juchitepec, and Tlaxcala clustered together and appeared to be in linkage equilibrium. This work provides a finer understanding of gradients of genetic diversity in populations of P. infestans at the center of origin.