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Enhanced Heat Resistance in Morchella eximia by Atmospheric and Room Temperature Plasma

Summary

Researchers used a special plasma technology to create heat-resistant strains of morel mushrooms that can thrive at higher temperatures. These mutant strains showed enhanced natural defense systems with more antioxidant enzymes and protective compounds. This breakthrough could help farmers grow more morels successfully despite rising temperatures from climate change, while maintaining their nutritional and medicinal benefits.

Background

Morchella eximia (morel mushrooms) exhibit sensitivity to high-temperature environments, which negatively impacts their growth, yield, and quality. Given their nutritional and medicinal value, enhancing their thermal resilience is crucial for sustainable industrial cultivation and commercial viability.

Objective

This study aimed to optimize ARTP mutagenesis for Morchella eximia (Mel-7) mycelia to identify mutant strains with enhanced heat resistance and to elucidate the physiological and biochemical mechanisms underlying their thermal adaptation.

Results

A 40-second ARTP exposure yielded optimal mutagenesis with approximately 90% lethality. Four mutant strains (L21, L23, L44, L47) demonstrated superior heat resistance and growth at elevated temperatures. Mutant strains exhibited elevated antioxidant enzyme activities, increased glutathione content, and differential lipid peroxidation responses compared to wild-type controls, indicating enhanced oxidative stress defense mechanisms.

Conclusion

ARTP mutagenesis successfully generated thermotolerant Morchella eximia strains capable of sustained growth up to 30°C with enhanced antioxidant defenses. These findings establish the efficacy of ARTP mutation breeding for developing heat-resistant fungal strains with potential applications in agricultural biotechnology and industrial cultivation under climate variability.
  • Published in:Microorganisms,
  • Study Type:Experimental Study,
  • Source: PMID: 38543569, PMCID: PMC10974986
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