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Nuclear behavior in Coprinus comatus from Japan and estimation of the lifecycle

Summary

Coprinus comatus, also known as the shaggy mane mushroom, is a nutritious edible mushroom with antioxidant properties. Researchers examined the genetic structure of this mushroom by counting nuclei in its spores and cells to understand how it reproduces. They discovered that the mushroom produces unique spores containing two nuclei and identified a new reproductive structure called oidia. This research will help farmers and breeders develop better cultivation and breeding strategies for this mushroom.

Background

Coprinus comatus is a delicious and nutritious mushroom with antioxidant properties. Few studies have examined aspects of its lifecycle, such as spore formation and karyological characterization. Understanding the complete lifecycle is essential for domestication and breeding strategies.

Objective

To elucidate the lifecycle of Coprinus comatus by examining the number of nuclei in basidiospores, hyphal cells, and oidia from Japanese strains. The study aimed to clarify the mating system and complete lifecycle to develop breeding strategies for this mushroom.

Results

Basidiospores from all four Japanese strains were primarily binucleate (70-83.5%). Most cells in both primary and secondary mycelia were binucleate. Oidia and oidiophores were observed for the first time in C. comatus, with most oidia being uninucleate. The study proposes a complete lifecycle model involving homokaryotic binucleate basidiospores and heterokaryotic binucleate secondary mycelia.

Conclusion

Japanese strains of C. comatus exhibit homokaryotic binucleate basidiospores and produce homokaryotic binucleate hyphae that form heterokaryotic binucleate secondary mycelia after compatible mating. The identification of oidia provides a useful tool for isolating homokaryons in future research and breeding programs.
  • Published in:Mycoscience,
  • Study Type:Observational/Descriptive Study,
  • Source: PMID: 37089461, DOI: 10.47371/mycosci.2021.05.005
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