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Genetic Variation and Combining Ability Analysis of Bruising Sensitivity in Agaricus bisporus

Summary

This research investigated how to breed button mushrooms that are less prone to bruising damage during mechanical harvesting. The study found that resistance to bruising is strongly inherited and identified specific mushroom strains that could be used to develop more bruising-resistant varieties. This has important implications for the mushroom industry and consumers: • Could lead to development of mushrooms that stay fresher longer in stores • May help reduce food waste from damaged mushrooms • Could make mechanical harvesting more viable, potentially reducing mushroom prices • Would improve overall mushroom quality for consumers • Could help mushroom farmers increase efficiency and reduce labor costs

Background

Button mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) is one of the most widely cultivated mushrooms globally. Mechanical harvesting causes bruising and discoloration, leading to lower quality and shorter shelf life. Mushroom discoloration from mechanical damage occurs through enzyme-catalyzed oxidation of phenols into quinones, which form dark melanins. The enzymes and substrates are physically separated in different cellular compartments, and bruising causes their mixing through cellular damage.

Objective

To study the genetic variation in bruising sensitivity of Agaricus bisporus through diallel crosses to understand heritability and combining ability of parental lines, and estimate their breeding value for developing bruising-resistant varieties.

Results

Bruising sensitivity showed very high heritability across flushes (H2 = 0.93). Brown hybrids were generally less sensitive to bruising than white hybrids. The line Mes09143 showed the lowest GCA, making it an attractive donor for improving bruising resistance. Z8 showed the highest GCA value, producing sensitive hybrids. The cross between CH2A and CH2B showed the highest negative SCA among white hybrids, indicating heterosis effects for bruising resistance.

Conclusion

Bruising sensitivity in A. bisporus is a highly inheritable trait. The diallel crossing approach effectively estimated breeding values of homokaryons and facilitated selection of parental lines for heterosis breeding. Brown hybrids demonstrated better bruising resistance than white hybrids. The study provides foundation for future genetic analysis of bruising sensitivity and selection of breeding lines.
  • Published in:PLoS One,
  • Study Type:Experimental Research,
  • Source: 10.1371/journal.pone.0076826
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