Use of single-protoplast isolates in the study of the mating phenomena of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Rhizoctonia solani</Emphasis> (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Thanatephorus cucumeris</Emphasis>) AG-1 IC and IA

This study evaluates the effectiveness of using single-protoplast isolates (SPIs) to study the mating phenomena of Rhizoctonia solani AG-1 IC and IA. SPIs obtained from three field isolates (F-1, Rh28, and RO2) of AG-1 IC were paired with representative single-basidiospore isolate (SBI)-M1/-M2 testers, each from their own field isolates, or paired in all possible combinations. Tufts were formed between SPIs and SBI-M1/-M2 testers and between SPIs-M1 and -M2. The separation ratios of SPIs-M1 and -M2 were approximately 1:1, which were similar to the results obtained with SBIs. SPIs obtained from three isolates (GNSD, R59, and Tr8) of AG-1 IA, which failed to form basidiospores, were paired in all possible combinations. Although no tufts formed among SPIs from Tr8 and R59, tufts did form between SPIs from GNSD. SPIs from GNSD were separated into homokaryotic (-M1 or -M2) and heterokaryotic isolates, and the separation ratio of -M1 and -M2 was also around 1:1. Amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) phenotypes of the tuft isolates formed between GNSD SPIs-M1 and -M2 suggested that these tuft isolates were all heterokaryotic. These results indicate that all three isolates of AG-1 IC and one isolate GNSD of AG-1 IA are heterokaryotic, and that the other two isolates of Tr8 and R59 of AG-1 IA are homokaryotic. Single-protoplast isolates are effective for studies of the mating phenomena of isolates belonging to different AGs of R. solani that could not form a perfect stage.     

The number of nuclei in basidiospores of 63 species of ectomycorrhizal Homobasidiomycetes

The production of even a limited number of heterokaryotic spores would be advantageous for establishing new individuals after long distance dispersal. While Suillus and Laccaria species are known to produce binucleate, heterokaryotic spores, this condition is poorly studied for most ectomycorrhizal fungi. To begin addressing this matter the number of nuclei in basidiospores was recorded from 142 sporocarps in 63 species and 20 genera of ectomycorrhizal (EM) fungi. The mean proportion of binucleate basidiospores produced by sporocarps within a species ranged from 0.00 to 1.00, with most genera within a family showing similar patterns. Basidiospores from fungi in Amanita, Cortinariaceae and Laccaria were primarily binucleate but were likely still homokaryotic. Basidiospores from fungi in Boletaceae, Cantharellus, Rhizopogonaceae, Russulaceae, Thelephorales and Tricholoma were primarily uninucleate, but binucleate basidiospores were observed in many genera and in high levels in Boletus. Further research is needed to relate basidiospore nuclear number to reproductive potential in ectomycorrhizal species.     

Isolation of a homothallic mutant in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Lentinula edodes</Emphasis>

To obtain a homothallic mutant in Lentinula edodes, basidiospores derived from the common Bmut dikaryon (A1B1mut × A2B1mut) were treated with UV irradiation. Of a total of approximately 5000 monosporous cultures recovered, a single basidiospore isolate was found to produce the hyphae bearing clamp connections without mating. This mutant strain could form fruit bodies, and all its single basidiospore isolates developed into colonies with clamp connections. Such homothallic behaviors were transmitted from the mutant strain to the next generation. During the germination and following hyphal elongation in a single basidiospore of mutant strain, clamp connections were clearly detected in multicellular hyphae, which contained two nuclei in each cell. Their clamp connections were morphologically variable, viz., pseudo, abnormal, and true clamps. Amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) profiles among the basidiospore isolates of mutant strain were identical, indicating that the mutant strain produced isogenic basidiospore progeny. Contribution no. 385 from the Tottori Mycological Institute     

Research on basal stem rot (BSR) of ornamental palms caused by basidiospores from <Emphasis Type="Italic">Ganoderma boninense</Emphasis>

Basidiospores were isolated from the fruiting bodies of Ganoderma infecting oil palms from an estate in Johor and from ornamental palms (including oil palms) from Singapore. The spores were then germinated to obtain homokaryotic mycelia. Based on clamp connection formation in paired hyphal fusions, tester strains were identified from the homokaryons isolated. Compatibility tests were then carried out using these testers to determine the relatedness of the homokaryotic Ganoderma isolates, both from Johor and from Singapore. Results from the compatibility tests showed that Ganoderma from both locations belong to the same species, while the Ganoderma isolates from Singapore share some common alleles. The pathogenicity tests carried out on Chrysalidocarpus lutescens seedlings using inoculum growing on rubber wood blocks showed that dikaryotic mycelia can cause basal stem rot infection.     

Mating System and Basidiospore Formation in the Lignin-Degrading Basidiomycete Phanerochaete chrysosporium

Prototrophic strains recovered from crosses between auxotrophic strains of the lignin-degrading basidiomycete Phanerochaete chrysosporium were induced to fruit. The progeny of most of these self-crosses were prototrophic, indicating that the nuclei of the original prototroph were wild-type recombinants rather than complementary heterokaryons and that the binucleate basidiospores of this organism are homokaryotic. Various wild-type strains were shown to have multinucleate cells lacking clamp connections and to possess a variable number of sterigmata per basidium. Colonies arising from single conidia of various wild-type strains were all capable of producing fruit bodies and basidiospores. In addition, single basidiospores from three wild-type strains all produced fruit bodies and basidiospores. Nonfruiting as well as fruiting isolates were obtained from single basidiospores of five other wild-type strains. Basidiospores from these fruiting isolates always yielded colonies that fruited, again indicating that the spores are homokaryotic. Nonfruiting isolates from the same strain did not produce basidiospores when allowed to form a heterokaryon, implying that these isolates do not represent mating types. All this evidence indicates that P. chrysosporium has a primary homothallic mating system. In addition to fruiting and nonfruiting phenotypes, basidiospores from strain OGC101, a derivative of ME-446, gave rise to colonies which did not grow on cellulose (Cel⁻). The fruiting, nonfruiting, and Cel⁻ phenotypes differed from each other and from the parental wild-type strain in a variety of characteristics, including growth, conidiation, and evolution of ¹⁴CO₂ from ¹⁴C-side chain-labeled lignin, indicating that strain OCG101 is a heterokaryon.     

Effects of isolates of ectomycorrhizal fungi and endophytic Mycelium radicis atrovirens that were dominant in soil from disturbed sites on growth of Betula platyphylla var. japonica seedlings

Effects of ectomycorrhizal fungi and endophytic Mycelium radicis atrovirens Melin (MRA) on growth of Betula platyphylla var. japonica seedlings were investigated under aseptic culture conditions. Three isolates of ectomycorrhizal fungi and two isolates of MRA were used. One MRA isolate was Phialocephala fortinii. Previous field work revealed that these isolates were dominant on the roots of B. platyphylla var. japonica seedlings grown in a mineral subsoil that had been exposed by the removal of surface soil. After a 100-day incubation, the growth of the seedlings was significantly enhanced by the colonization of these ectomycorrhizal fungal isolates as compared with uninoculated seedlings. In contrast, the growth of seedlings was retarded by the colonization of the MRA isolates. The growth of seedlings that were co-inoculated with ectomycorrhizal fungi and MRA was similar to that of uninoculated seedlings in most cases. These results suggest that ectomycorrhizal fungi have a beneficial effect on the growth of B. platyphylla var. japonica seedlings and that they suppress the deleterious effect of MRA. Thus, these ectomycorrhizal fungi probably have an important role in establishing B. platyphylla var. japonica seedlings during the initial stage of re-vegetation following site disturbance by the removal of surface soil.     

Nuclear and Non-nuclear Factors influencing Clamp Connection Formation in Coprinus disseminatus

Matings between sister single spore lines of Coprinus disseminatusshowed a cryptic tetrapolar pattern. The two groups of matingsthat resulted in formation of mycelia with clamp connections(apparent dikaryons) differed in rate of nuclear penetrationduring mating. In one group penetration occurred at rates comparablewith nuclear migration in other species and in the other groupit was often extensive but at a rate similar to, or less than,the dikaryon growth-rate. No differences were detected betweenthese two groups in stability, colony extension rate, frequencyof clamp connections, proportions of true clamp connectionsand pseudoclamps, or number of nuclei per hyphal tip cell. Cytological studies and the isolation of hyphal tips showedthat both groups of apparent dikaryons were heterokaryotic di-or trikaryons. The di- and trikaryotic conditions co-existedin the same mycelium, but adjacent cells of individual branchingsystems usually contained equal numbers of nuclei. Within apparentdikaryons the number and kinds of nuclei per cell were similarin hyphae with clamp connections and those with simple septa.Treatments that prevented clamp connection formation did notalter the nuclear status of most of the hyphae. Irregularities in nuclear distribution were infrequent and mostwere associated with pseudoclamps. Forty per cent of nodes withprobable pseudoclamps yielded homokaryotic branches, which wereof either constituent mating type. There was some indicationthat irregularities in nuclear distribution could also occurduring divisions associated with simple septa.     

Establishment of monokaryotic and dikaryotic isolates of Hedgehog mushrooms (Hydnum repandum and related species) from basidiospores

Hydnum repandum and its relatives are gourmet edible ectomycorrhizal mushrooms. However, no reliable pure cultures have been reported in this genus. Here, we report for the first time the successful isolation of mycelial strains from basidiospores in the genus Hydnum. Basidiospores obtained from basidioma samples were aseptically inoculated onto modified Norkran's C (MNC) medium, MNC containing n-butyric acid (n-MNC), or MNC with gellan gum instead of agar (G-MNC). Although basidiospore germination was observed in most samples, the isolation rate was higher from MNC (91.7%) and G-MNC (93.8%) than from n-MNC (36.4%). Most established isolates were monokaryotic and lacked a clamp connection, but three were dikaryotic and had clamp connections. Established isolates were identified by molecular phylogenetic analysis of the internal transcribed spacer region of the rRNA gene. These results suggest that basidiospores can be used to establish monokaryotic and dikaryotic isolates of Hydnum species.     

Distinguishing homokaryons and heterokaryons in Phellinus sulphurascens using pairing tests and ITS polymorphisms

Phellinus sulphurascens Pilát causes laminated root rot of coniferous species in both western North America (WNA) and Asia. Accurate somatic incompatibility tests for mapping population structures have been difficult to conduct for P. sulphurascens because no single, unambiguous criterion has allowed differentiation of homokaryotic and heterokaryotic isolates. In a population study of P. sulphurascens in WNA, two types of ITS sequences were found in the single spore and vegetative isolates. All single spore isolates (SSIs) had either ITS type-1 or type-2 whereas some vegetative isolates had both ITS types. The segregation pattern for inheritance of ITS, which we observed in SSIs from eight basidiocarps, suggested that each ITS type occurred in a different nucleus and that each basidiospore inherited only one ITS type. In four SSIs from Russia and eight heterokaryotic isolates from Japan, nine different ITS types, referred to as type-3 to -11, were detected. A variety of pairing tests conducted between known Asian and WNA homokaryon and heterokaryon isolates did not always give consistent results with respect to fungal mat morphologies and formation of demarcation lines. However, the ITS types that occurred after pairing tests did follow consistent patterns. Thus, using ITS polymorphisms and pairing tests between Asian tester isolates and 49 vegetative isolates from WNA, we were able to accurately distinguish between homokaryotic and heterokaryotic isolates.     

Effects of red pine (Pinus resinosa Ait.) mycorrhizoplane-associated actinomycetes onin vitro growth of ectomycorrhizal fungi

Mycorrhizoplane-associated actinomycetes were isolated using an enrichment technique from red pine (Pinus resinosa Ait.) roots of seedlings recently outplanted onto cleared northern hardwood sites in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, USA. Interactions were assessedin vitro between actinomycete isolates and three commonly occurring ectomycorrhizal fungi (Laccaria bicolor (Maire) Orton,L. laccata (Scop.: Fr.) Berk. and Br., andThelephora terrestris Fr.). Most actinomycete isolates exerted a range of effects on the growth of the three fungus isolates during the four week test period, inhibiting some while stimulating others; several inhibited growth of all three fungus isolates. Mycorrhizoplane-associated actinomycetes show potential for use as coinoculants with selected ectomycorrhizal fungi to optimize the soil microflora for developing seedlings.     

In vitro germination ofErythrorchis ochobiensis (Orchidaceae) in the presence ofLyophyllum shimeji, an ectomycorrhizal fungus

In vitro germination of a myco-heterotrophic orchid,Erythrorchis ochobiensis, was tested in the presence of ectomycorrhizal fungi,Lyophyllum shimeji andTricholoma fulvocastaneum. Lyophyllum shimeji stimulated the germination after incubation for 1.5 mo. Although most germinated seeds did not grow further after 3 mo, several seeds developed into small protocorms but showed amorphous profiles. Fungal mycelia were observed in the germinated seeds and protocorms, but pelotons were not detected. Since the seeds did not germinate axenically, it may be suggested that the fungus has the ability to stimulate germination.     

The feeding preference of mycophagous Collembola varies with the ectomycorrhizal symbiont

The interactions of the collembolan insect Proisotoma minuta with ectomycorrhizal and/or pathogenic fungi was examined in three experiments: (1) in vitro analysis of feeding patterns, (2) in vitro food preference test, and (3) in situ analysis of ectomycorrhizal colonization in relation to population density. The ectomycorrhizal fungi Laccaria laccata, Pisolithus tinctorius, Suillus luteus, Thelephora terrestris and the pathogenic fungi Rhizoctonia solani were employed in all experiments. In vitro and in situ experiments revealed that Pr. minuta consumed all the ectomycorrhizal fungi tested but the feeding pattern and consumption varied with each isolate. In a comparative in vitro feeding preference test, where Pr. minuta was given a choice, R. solani was grazed more heavily than the ectomycorrhizal fungi. Among the ectomycorrhizal fungi examined, Pi. tinctorius was consumed significantly less than L. laccata, S. luteus or T. terrestris in the presence of R. solani. A 10-week in situ analysis of loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) seedling root systems inoculated with Pr. minuta revealed that ectomycorrhizal colonization was significantly less than that of control plants (without Pr. minuta). Collectively, these data suggest that mycophagous Collembola may play a major role in the distribution and biomass of ectomycorrhizal fungi in the rhizosphere of tree seedlings.     

食用外共生菌根真菌兰茂牛肝菌Lanmaoa asiatica纯培养条件下不同发育时期的核相

食用外共生菌根菌是一类可食用并与植物共生的大型真菌,其在纯培养条件下菌丝生长缓慢,不会扭结发育成原基,不能完成生活史。因此关于食用菌根菌纯培养条件下生活史的研究报道极少。本研究的兰茂牛肝菌Lanmaoa asiatica已能在纯培养条件下诱导出原基,这使生活史的研究得以完成。利用扫描电子显微镜、透射电子显微镜及荧光显微镜对兰茂牛肝菌子实体担子、担孢子、纯培养菌丝和原基的核相进行了观察。结果表明,子实体菌丝细胞为双核,担子经过减数分裂形成4个单核担孢子;担孢子萌发时长轴端长出芽状突起伸长为菌丝,原孢子中的细胞核不分裂,直接进入菌丝,形成单核初生菌丝;初生菌丝5d后变为双核菌丝;纯培养菌丝及原基细胞均为双核,其菌丝表面光滑,未观察到锁状联合。     

Field performance in northern Spain of Douglas-fir seedlings Inoculated with ectomycorrhizal fungi

 Experimental plantations were established in northern Spain to determine the effects of different ectomycorrhizal fungi on growth and survival of Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco) under field conditions. Douglas-fir seedlings were inoculated with Laccaria bicolor S238 mycelia in two bareroot nurseries in central France or with spore suspensions of three hypogeous ectomycorrhizal species: Melanogaster ambiguus, Rhizopogon colossus and R. subareolatus, in a Spanish containerised nursery. The effects of ectomycorrhizal inoculation on plant survival after outplanting were limited, being only significant at the Guipuzkoan (Spain) site, when plants inoculated with L. bicolor S238 were compared to non-inoculated plants grown in non-fumigated soil. L. bicolor S238 had a significant effect on plant growth during the phase of bareroot nursery growth and this difference was maintained after field outplanting. Nursery inoculations with M. ambiguus, R. colossus and R. subareolatus improved plant growth during the first 2 and 3 years after field outplanting. The positive effects of the inoculation treatment on seedling height, root collar diameter and stem volume persisted after 5 years of field growth. Inoculation with these ectomycorrhizal fungi may improve the field performance of Douglas-fir seedlings in northern Spain. Accepted: 12 February 1999     

Influence of autoclaved saprotrophic fungal mycelia on proteolytic activity in ectomycorrhizal fungi

The production of proteolytic enzymes by several strains of ectomycorrhizal fungi i.e., Amanita muscaria (16-3), Laccaria laccata (9-12), L. laccata (9-1), Suillus bovinus (15-4), Suillus bovinus (15-3), Suillus luteus (14-7) on mycelia of Trichoderma harzianum, Trichoderma virens and Mucor hiemalis and sodium caseinate, yeast extract was evaluated. The strains of A. muscaria (16-3) and L. laccata (9-12) were characterized by the highest activity of the acidic and neutral proteases. Taking the mycelia of saprotrophic fungi into consideration, the mycelium of M. hiemalis was the best inductor for proteolytic activity. The examined ectomycorrhizal fungi exhibited higher activity of acidic proteases than neutral ones on the mycelia of saprotrophic fungi, which may imply the participation of acidic proteases in nutrition.     

Inoculation of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pinus halepensis</Emphasis> Mill. with selected ectomycorrhizal fungi improves seedling establishment 2 years after planting in a degraded gypsum soil

Vegetative inoculum of Amanita ovoidea (Bull.) Link and three isolates of Suillus collinitus (Fr.) Kuntze, as well as spore inoculum of Rhizopogon roseolus (Corda) Th. M. Fr. and S. collinitus, were evaluated for the production of Pinus halepensis Mill. in nursery and for the establishment of seedlings in a degraded gypsum soil. In nursery, most of the fungi significantly improved the height of seedlings and modified the accumulation of nutrients in needles. The percentage of ectomycorrhizas (ESR) per seedling ranged from 25 to 78%, depending on the fungi. One and 2 years after planting in the field, the survival of seedlings was significantly improved by inoculation with two isolates of S. collinitus and with spores of the same fungus. Inoculation with A. ovoidea had no significant effect on seedling survival, whilst R. roseolus caused a significant mortality of seedlings. Seedling height was significantly improved by inoculation with all fungi except R. roseolus and isolate CCMA-1 of S. collinitus. One year after planting, mycorrhization of control seedlings was negligible, and percentages of ESR were under 38% for the rest of treatments. In spring of the second year, seedlings in all treatments, including the control, became highly mycorrhizal (60–77% of ESR). Low ectomycorrhizal diversity (five morphotypes described) and seasonal variation on morphotype composition were detected 2 years after plantation. From a perspective of soil restoration management under limiting environmental conditions, nursery inoculation with selected fungi can be a key advantage for tree seedlings to surmount the initial transplant stress, assuring their establishment in the field. Our results emphasise the importance of selecting compatible fungal–host species combinations for nursery inoculation and sources of inoculum adapted to the environmental conditions of the transplantation site.     

金针菇担孢子核相及遗传属性的研究

以3个不同的金针菇菌株为材料,研究了其担孢子的核相及遗传属性。荧光染色观察显示,担孢子核相以双核为主,双核孢子、单核孢子和无核孢子分别占80.2%、7.5%和12.3%。源于单孢分离物的菌丝为有隔膜、无锁状联合的多核菌丝。在交配试验中,源于不同菌株单孢分离物的菌丝原生质体的配对形成具锁状联合的菌落,而源于同一单孢分离物的菌丝原生质体的配对则形成无锁状联合的菌落,暗示担孢子中的两个核具有相同的交配型。RAPD分析显示,源于同一单孢分离物的菌丝原生质体为10个随机引物所扩增的图谱彼此完全相同,印证了担孢子中的双核是同质的。此外,观察表明,一个担子上着生有4个担孢子。因此,金针菇是一种具4个含同质双核担孢子的四极性蕈菌。     

Flavonoids induce germination of basidiospores of the ectomycorrhizal fungus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Suillus bovinus</Emphasis>

Under laboratory conditions, spores of ectomycorrhizal fungi usually germinate very poorly or not at all. In a previous study, we showed that spores of the ectomycorrhizal fungus Suillus bovinus germinated through the combination of activated charcoal treatment of media and co-culture with seedlings of Pinus densiflora, which suggested that some substances contained in root exudates induced the germination. Among the compounds reported from root exudates, flavonoids have been elucidated to play various and substantial roles in plant–microbe interactions; we therefore investigated the effects of flavonoids on basidiospore germination of S. bovinus by the diffusion gradient assay on water agar plates pretreated with charcoal powder. Seven out of the 11 flavonoids tested, hesperidin, morin, rutin, quercitrin, naringenin, genistein, and chrysin, had greater effects than controls, whereas flavone, biochanin A, luteolin, and quercetin showed no positive effects. The effective concentration presumably corresponded to several micromolar levels, which was equivalent to those effective for pollen development, nod gene induction, and spore germination of F. solani f. sp. pisi and AM fungi. The results suggest that flavonoids play a role as signaling molecules in symbiotic relationships between woody plants and ectomycorrhizal fungi.     

Inoculation and field testing of Sitka spruce and Douglas fir with ectomycorrhizal fungi in the United Kingdom

Picea sitchensis and Pseudotsuga menziesii seedlings were grown in containers, inoculated with ectomycorrhizal fungi, and planted in British forestry sites. Root samples taken during the year after planting were assessed for mycorrhiza formation. Survival and shoot height were assessed at the end of each year. Observations were made each autumn on the occurrence of sporophores of ectomycorrhizal fungi. Pot experiments were used to assess the colonization potential of soils from the experimental locations. Assessment of mycorrhiza formation by the inoculant fungi both before planting and the following year showed much variation among the fungi used. Similar variation was found among field sites. Inoculation with Laccaria isolates was most successful. Height measurements are reported for the first 2 years after planting, at which time there were few significant effects on growth of Picea sitchensis or Pseudotsuga menziesii seedlings. Experimental assessment of colonization potential was of little value in this work for predicting events in the forest.     

黄伞单孢杂交育种的初步研究

以采自山西省五台山和关帝山的WT3 和GD3两个黄伞纯化菌株为材料,显微观察了黄伞担孢子萌发的菌丝及交配特征,在PDA培养基上担孢子首先在其一端萌发出菌丝,宽度约3~4μm,接着产生分枝呈散发状向四周延伸。试验表明:单核菌丝体上可产生类似原基的凸状体,但不具结实性。两个单核菌丝交配后出现锁状联合是形成双核菌丝的典型特征,并具有结实性。