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Longevity of light- and dark-colored basidiospores from saprotrophic mushroom-forming fungi

Nhu H Nguyen1

  • 1a Department of Plant and Soil Sciences , University of Hawai'i at Mānoa , Honolulu , Hawaii 96922.

Mycologia
|June 5, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Mushroom fungi spores exhibit varying longevity based on color. Dark-colored spores can remain viable for over 2.8 years, suggesting strategies for long-distance dispersal, unlike lighter spores.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Ecology
  • Fungal Biology

Background:

  • Fungi produce resistant propagules with potential for long-term survival.
  • Ectomycorrhizal fungal basidiospores can persist for at least 6 years.
  • Limited data exists on the longevity of saprotrophic mushroom-forming fungi spores.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the spore longevity of saprotrophic mushroom-forming fungi.
  • To determine if spore color influences viability over time.
  • To understand the ecological strategies related to fungal spore longevity and dispersal.

Main Methods:

  • Collection of fungal spores from various saprotrophic mushroom-forming species.
  • Drying and controlled storage of collected spores.
  • Germination assays conducted over extended storage periods to assess viability.

Main Results:

  • Significant differences in spore longevity were observed based on spore pigmentation.
  • Dark-colored spores demonstrated extended viability, lasting up to 2.8 years.
  • Light-colored spores generally showed much shorter viability periods.

Conclusions:

  • Saprotrophic mushroom-forming fungi may employ distinct ecological strategies.
  • Extended spore longevity in dark-spored fungi facilitates long-distance dispersal.
  • Short-lived spores are associated with localized dispersal under optimal conditions.
Keywords:
Dispersaldormancylongevitymelaninmushroomsaprotrophssporeviability

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