Genetic Analysis of Population Structure in the Oyster Mushroom Pleurotus ostreatus

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This project seeks to answer several basic questions about the natural history of wild mushrooms by using classical and modern methods of genetic analysis. The population biology and genetics of the oyster mushroom will be studied, in order to understand how natural populations are established and maintained. The unique life history of mushrooms makes it possible to carry out a variety of genetic analyses aimed at identification of wild strains and their relatives. A primary aim of the study will be to develop and test methods for identification of population pedigrees through the use of genetic markers (such as DNA fingerprinting). The high level of resolution offered by molecular methods makes it possible to identify single strains of oyster mushrooms, as well as their immediate parents and progeny. Oyster mushrooms are also important as a commercial food crop and source of important enzymes for breaking down plant material; the genetic markers developed for this study should also be useful for crop development and biotechnology.