Distribution of Two Mating-Type Idiomorphs in Commercially Cultivated <i>Morchella sextelata</i> Unveiling Unique Life Cycle of Morels
The outdoor cultivation of true morels has been successfully commercialized in China in recent years. However, unstable yields make it a high-risk business. A lack of understanding of the morel life cycle has led to chaotic spawn production processes, further affecting cultivation. In this study, th...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2025-04-01
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| Series: | Horticulturae |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2311-7524/11/4/385 |
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| Summary: | The outdoor cultivation of true morels has been successfully commercialized in China in recent years. However, unstable yields make it a high-risk business. A lack of understanding of the morel life cycle has led to chaotic spawn production processes, further affecting cultivation. In this study, the life cycle of <i>Morchella sextelata</i>, the most widely cultivated species of true morels, was characterized. A disproportion in the two mating-type idiomorphs, <i>MAT1-1</i> and <i>MAT1-2</i>, was observed in the mycelia during vegetative growth, successive subcultures, and different parts of the fruiting body. Homokaryotic hyphae were found to dominate the mycelia and fruiting body of <i>M. sextelata</i> through the separation and detection of protoplast-regenerated single strains. The findings suggest that two homokaryotic hyphae with different mating types fuse to form heterokaryotic hyphae just before ascospore production in the life cycle of <i>M. sextelata</i>. The observed disproportion of mating-type idiomorphs is a primary reason for strain degeneration during spawn production. This study offers new insights into the life cycle of <i>M. sextelata</i>, particularly the role of mating-type distribution, which may inform strategies for improving the artificial cultivation of true morels. |
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| ISSN: | 2311-7524 |