Expression of α-glucosidase during morphological differentiation in the basidiomycetous fungus Pholiota microspora

Current Advances in the Functional Genes of Edible and Medicinal Fungi: Research Techniques, Functional Analysis, and Prospects

Functional genes encode various biological functions required for the life activities of organisms. By analyzing the functional genes of edible and medicinal fungi, varieties of edible and medicinal fungi can be improved to enhance their agronomic traits, growth rates, and ability to withstand adversity, thereby increasing yield and quality and promoting industrial development. With the rapid development of functional gene research technology and the publication of many whole-genome sequences of edible and medicinal fungi, genes related to important biological traits have been mined, located, and functionally analyzed. This paper summarizes the advantages and disadvantages of different functional gene research techniques and application examples for edible and medicinal fungi; systematically reviews the research progress of functional genes of edible and medicinal fungi in biological processes such as mating type, mycelium and fruit growth and development, substrate utilization and nutrient transport, environmental response, and the synthesis and regulation of important active substances; and proposes future research directions for functional gene research for edible and medicinal fungi. The overall aim of this study was to provide a valuable reference for further promoting the molecular breeding of edible and medicinal fungi with high yield and quality and to promote the wide application of edible and medicinal fungi products in food, medicine, and industry.

Effects of corn stalk cultivation substrate on the growth of the slippery mushroom (Pholiota microspora)

Corn stalks are a major source of agricultural waste in China that have the potential for more efficient utilisation. In this study, we designed substrate formulas with different proportions of corn stalks to cultivate Pholiota microspora. The substrate formula for P. microspora cultivation that could partially or completely replace sawdust with corn stalks was selected through the analysis of mycelial growth rates, fruiting body traits, yield, biological efficiency, nutrients, and mineral composition. Our results showed that the substrate formula T2 (38% wood chips and 38% corn stalks) resulted in the highest yield of 275.66 ± 2.87 g per bag, which was 6.60% higher than that of formula CK, and the highest biological efficiency of 90.75 ± 0.04%, which was 4.58% higher than that of CK, with no significant differences from CK in terms of fruiting body traits, nutrients, or mineral composition. The substrate formula T1 (19% corn stalks) led to mushroom yields with the highest mineral and amino acid contents and was thus more suitable for the cultivation of medicinal P. microspora. Therefore, substrates comprising a mixture of corn stalks and sawdust can be used as a novel, inexpensive, and high-yield alternative for the cultivation of P. microspora.