Identification of mating type loci and development of SCAR marker genetically linked to the B3 locus in Pleurotus eryngii

In order to estimate how diverse the mating types in Pleurotus eryngii from different regions are, pairings between monokaryons derived from inter- and intragroups were done. Sixteen and 15 alleles were identified at loci A and B from the 12 strains. In the P. eryngii KNR2312, widely used for commercial production, four mating loci, A3, A4, B3, and B4, were determined. Those loci, except A3, were found in 4 strains out of 12 strains. To improve breeding efficiency, especially in mating type determination, RAPD and BSA were performed to screen for a mating type specific marker. The SCAR marker 13- 2(2100) was developed based on the RAPD-derived sequence typing B3 locus. The sequence analysis of 13-2(2100) revealed that it contained a conserved domain, the STE3 superfamily, and consensus sequences like the TATA box and GC box. It seems likely that the SCAR marker region is a part of the pheromone receptor gene.