Morchella Conica Research Articles

The plasmids of the morels: characterization and prerequisites for vector development

In several Morchella species linear dsDNA plasmids have been discovered and analyzed. Two linear plasmids of the strain Morchella conica 3 analyzed in detail are associated with the mitochondria but not as an integrative part of the high molecular weight mt DNA. In addition, homologies between different plasmids from different species could be detected. These homologies extend to all parts of the plasmids. Differences in size are due to different lengths of nonhomologous inner parts rather than to differences at the termini. Fragments comprising the entire plasmids were cloned into bacterial vectors and a selectable marker gene for eukaryotes was added to the resulting hybrid plasmids. Transformation of yeast led to the identification of autonomously replicating sequences, this being a prerequisite for the development of autonomously replicating vectors for Morchella.

Linear extrachromosomal DNA in the morel Morchella conica

Altogether 18 different strains of the genus Morchella were assayed for the presence of extrachromosomal genetic elements. It was shown that 8 out of 13 strains of the Morchella conica group contain plasmids of comparable size (6 kb and 8 kb respectively). The 5 representatives of Morchella esculenta were not found to contain extrachromosomal DNA. The plasmid of one strain (nr. 3) was further analysed. By restriction analyses and electron microscopy it was confirmed that the plasmid is linear having a molecular weight of 6 kb. It was further shown that it carries at both ends inverted repeats of 0.75 kb.

Distribution, Status, Potentiality and Maketing Importance of Guchchi Chyau (<i>Morchella conica</i>, pers.) in Mugu District, Nepal

Morchella conica, pers (Guchchi Chyau) is achlorophyllus but posh fungus species often called as morel mushroom. Its use is not only limited to the household sector but also used in food and non food industries. Distribution status and potentiality is discerned in this paper and is linked it up with the financial contribution made to enhance local livelihoods. The general morphology, ecology and distribution pattern is critically analyzed to link up its importance. It is distributed within twelve VDCs of Mugu district which keeps tremendous potentiality to address the problem of poverty in the region. Information of this research based article is collected from direct field observation, focus group discussion; key informants interview and surface analysis of market structure. Haphazard and immature collections are the issues regarding its sustainability Key Words: Collection, Storage, Value addition, Cultivation, Marketing DOI: 10.3126/init.v3i0.2500 The Initiation Vol.3 2009 p.97-101