Germplasm evaluation of major Ganoderma lucidum strains cultivated in Northeast China

The evaluation of germplasm resources is a critical foundation for the selection and breeding of superior cultivars of Ganoderma lucidum. In this study, 19 widely cultivated strains from Northeast China were systematically evaluated using an integrated approach combining somatic incompatibility tests, sequence-related amplified polymorphism (SRAP) markers, agronomic trait assessment, and comprehensive profiling of bioactive compounds and metal elements in both fruiting bodies and spore powder. Somatic incompatibility assays showed that most strain combinations produced distinct antagonistic reactions, indicating relatively low somatic affinity among the tested strains; only a limited number of combinations exhibited compatibility. SRAP analysis using 30 primer pairs generated 205 alleles, of which 94.63% were polymorphic, demonstrating a high level of genetic diversity within the tested germplasm. Agronomic evaluation revealed substantial inter-strain variation in mycelial growth characteristics, developmental duration, fruiting body morphology, spore powder characteristics, and yield-related traits. Principal component analysis (PCA) of 41 agronomic variables extracted 11 principal components, which together explained 94.188% of the total phenotypic variation and highlighted the major traits contributing to strain differentiation. In addition, major nutritional and bioactive components, including polysaccharides, crude fat, crude protein, triterpenes, and sterols, as well as potentially toxic metal elements (Fe, Zn, As, Cd, Hg, Tl, and Pb), were quantified in fruiting bodies and spore powder to evaluate nutritional quality and elemental safety. By integrating cytological, molecular, agronomic, biochemical, and elemental data, strains GL-3 and GL-12 were identified as promising elite germplasm resources for large-scale cultivation in Northeast China, particularly in production systems prioritizing early maturation and high contents of bioactive components. Notably, GL-15 exhibited superior bioconversion efficiency and fruiting body yield, highlighting its potential as a valuable resource for yield-oriented breeding programs.