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Genetic Clarification of Auricularia heimuer Strains Bred and Cultivated in Korea Using the ITS and IGS1 rDNA Region Sequences

Summary

Researchers in Korea discovered that Auricularia mushrooms grown there are actually a different species than previously thought. By analyzing the genetic code of different mushroom strains, scientists confirmed they are all the species A. heimuer rather than A. auricula-judae. They also found that using specific genetic markers (IGS1 sequences) could tell apart different mushroom varieties and identify which strains were produced through breeding.

Background

Auricularia auricula-judae is a widely cultivated edible mushroom in Korea. Recent research has revealed that this species belongs to a species complex, with Asian strains reclassified as A. heimuer. Korean cultivation strains previously identified as A. auricula-judae require genetic clarification.

Objective

To genetically clarify Korean Auricularia strains bred and cultivated for commercial purposes using ITS and IGS1 rDNA region sequences. The study examines whether IGS1 polymorphism can differentiate parental and progeny strains resulting from breeding processes.

Results

All 10 Korean A. auricula-judae strains were genetically clarified as A. heimuer based on ITS sequence analysis. IGS1 sequences showed polymorphism ranging from 1804-2042 bp, allowing differentiation of individual strains and distinguishing progeny from parental strains. Each Korean strain was distinguishable by IGS1 sequence analysis.

Conclusion

Korean Auricularia strains previously classified as A. auricula-judae are confirmed as A. heimuer. IGS1 sequences are useful genetic markers for distinguishing both species and individual bred strains, providing tools for improving wood ear mushroom breeding programs and domestic cultivar classification.
  • Published in:Mycobiology,
  • Study Type:Molecular Characterization Study,
  • Source: PMID: 37122681, DOI: 10.1080/12298093.2023.2182024
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