Genetic Identification of Clones ofArmillaria melleain Coniferous Forests in Washington

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Abstract
A. mellea establishes subterranean clones that traverse multiple hosts. The sizes of clones in coniferous forests in Washington were examined. Incompatibility alleles were assayed for 13 fruiting bodies from 3 separate sites; these alleles were employed as markers to determine the clonal identity of each fruiting body. Only 1 clone was detected at each of the sites where multiple collections were made. Extensive clonal development of A. mellea on these sites is indicated, which contrasts with the much smaller sized clones in a maple (Acer saccharum) sugar bush in Vermont. The methods described are useful for identifying biological species and estimating clonal relationships of A. mellea present in a given region.