XVI International Botanical Congess

Pilobolaceae contains three genera which have been postulate to form a natural group. The Pilobolaceae are classified primarily by morphological characters, and delineation of species within the genus Pilobolus is based on morphological characters that are variable and overlapping, and thus unreliable. Taxonomy within this genus is further complicate as most species rarely reproduce sexually, thus eliminating zygospore characteristics. In the absence of many derived morphological and biochemical characters, other more accurate means on which to base taxonomic decisions are needed. Molecular genetics has been helpful in defining species specific variability. The DNA fingerprinting technique known as AFLP was used to ascertain the variance within Pilobolus kleinii. Preliminary results will be presented.