Spore lipids and germination in Agaricus bisporus

Summary The effects of a number of organic compounds on the germination of spores of Agaricus bisporus (J. Lange) Pilat has been investigated and a preliminary analysis of spore lipids carried out. Germination was stimulated by isocaproic acid but not by straight-chain C₅ to C₁₁ fatty acids or by the amino acids leucine and iso-leucine. Cholesterol at a concentration of 1 ppm was inhibitory. The lipid reserve of the spore comprised mono-, di- and tri-glycerides, free fatty acids and sterols. The phospholipid fraction was unusually small and contained a lecithin and cephalin fraction, phosphatidylinositol and cardiolipin phosphatidic acid; phosphatidylcholine being the most prominent component. The role of lipids and various germination stimulants in the physiology of A. bisporus spores is discussed.