Genetic variation in basidiocarp production within wild and controlled dikaryotic populations of the edible basidiomycete Agrocybe aegerita

Abstract

Variations in fruiting yield within a population of 27 wild dikaryons of Agrocybe aegerita were analysed. There was a significant amount of variation in fruiting time which ranged from 7 to 15 days and basidiocarp dry weight which ranged from 25 to 50 mg per Petri dish. Crosses between homokaryotic progeny of eight selected wild dikaryons allowed the identification of nine A alleles and ten B alleles. Crosses between unrelated homokaryons were performed in an attempt to analyse the genetic control of fruiting characters. The range of variation among controlled dikaryons was of the same magnitude as that recorded among wild dikaryons. Additive effects account for a large part (up to 70%) of the variations between crosses. The results reported can be used as the basis for a genetic improvement programme of this edible species and indicate that selection among wild strains and subsequently among homokaryotic sib families could rapidly increase basidiocarp yield.