Oyster mushroom is one of the most widely cultivated and consumed mushrooms in Korea, and mechanization and automation of cultivation systems have enabled mass production. Many cultivars have been developed to replace the old ones such as ‘Suhan‘ and ‘Chunchuneutari 2 ho,‘ which have been cultivated for over 20 years. Among these, ‘Soltari‘ was developed in 2015. Although it has excellent quality, its cultivation is challenging and the productivity is somewhat lower. To address these issues, the Mushroom Division at the National Institute of Horticultural and Herbal Science selected the genetic resource KMCC05165 and attempted hybridization between monokaryons from KMCC05165 and ‘Soltari(KMCC04940)’. Through repeated cultivation tests and evaluation of fruiting body characteristics, the superior strain ‘Po-2019-smj22’ was selected and finally named ‘Otari‘. The optimal mycelial growth temperature of ‘Otari’ was between 25 and 30°C and optimal fruiting body growth temperature was between 13 and 18°C. Mycelial growth on PDA medium was best at 25°C, and at the same temperature, mycelial growth was similar across four media: PDA, MEA, MCM, and YM. In 1,100 mL bottle cultivation, the yield was approximately 174 g, which is about 5% higher than the control cultivar ‘Soltari‘, and the number of valid individuals was also higher at about 25. The diameter and height of the pileus were 29.8 mm and 17.6 mm, respectively, slightly smaller than ‘Soltari‘, and the stipe was thin and long with a thickness of 12.2 mm. Additionally, the pileus’ lightness index (L index) was 30.7, indicating a darker brown color compared to 'Soltari.' With excellent mycelial growth, ease of cultivation, and high yield, the new cultivar ‘Otari‘ is expected to be widely adopted by domestic oyster mushroom farms.

Owing to its excellent nutritional value, eggs are among the most important components of the human diet. Gender and environmental factors, such as feed composition, may alter the nutritional profile and quality of eggs. Feed additives have recently been used to enhance the health and productivity of hens, which has resulted in the production of higher-quality eggs. The fungus Cordyceps militaris, a well-established source of traditional medicines, contains potential bioactive metabolites, which prompted us to examine the effects of C. militaris-supplemented diets on the quality of hens’ eggs. The hens of two species (Gallus gallus domesticus and Araucana) were fed with one of three different diets: a control diet and diets supplemented with 2% or 5% of C. militaris. Egg quality was determined by measuring the Haugh Unit, yolk color, and shell thickness. In addition, egg and shell densities together with the ratio of yolk to albumen were calculated. Eggshell thickness and yolk color were both enhanced by the addition of C. militaris, whereas Haugh Unit values were somewhat reduced. Egg size, eggshell weight, and yolk and albumen production were all enhanced by C. militaris supplementation. Notably, in hens fed the 2% C. militaris-supplemented diet, enhancement was more evident in the yolk than in the albumen. The overall quality of the egg yolk was enhanced when 2% C. militaris was added to the hens' diet, which led to increases in both yolk color and quantity. Eggshell thickness and weight were also higher among eggs laid by hens fed the supplemented diets. Although these effects differed depending on the chicken species, we established that, in general, C. militaris contributes to improving egg quality.

Microsatellite SSR markers were developed and utilized to reveal the genetic diversity of 32 strains of Flammulina velutipes collected in Korea, China, and Japan. From the SSR-enriched library, 490 white colonies were randomly selected and sequenced. Among the 490 sequenced clones, 85 (17.35%) were redundant. Among the remaining 405 unique clones, 201 (49.6%) contained microsatellite sequences. We used 12 primer pairs that produced reproducible polymorphic bands for four diverse strains, and these selected markers were further characterized in 32 Flammulina velutipes strains. A total of 34 alleles were detected using the 12 markers, with an average of 3.42 alleles, and the number of alleles ranged from two to seven per locus. The major allele frequency ranged from 0.42 (GB-FV-127) to 0.98 (GB-FV-166), and values for observed (HO) and expected (HE) heterozygosity ranged from 0.00 to 0.94 (mean = 0.18) and from 0.03 to 0.67 (mean = 0.32), respectively. SSR loci amplified with GB-FV-127 markers gave the highest polymorphism information content (PIC) of 0.61 and mean allele number of five, whereas for loci amplified with GB-FV-166 markers these values were the lowest, namely 0.03 and two. The mean PIC value (0.29) observed in the present study with average number of alleles (3.42). The genetic relationships among the 32 Flammulina velutipes strains on the basis of SSR data were investigated by UPGMA cluster analysis. In conclusion, we succeeded in developing 12 polymorphic SSRs markers from an SSR-enriched library of Flammulina velutipes. These SSRs are presently being used for phylogenetic analysis and evaluation of genetic variations. In future, these SSR markers will be used in clarifying taxonomic relationships among the Flammulina velutipes.

Microsatellite SSR markers were developed and utilized to reveal the genetic diversity of 32 strains of Flammulina velutipes collected in Korea, China, and Japan. From SSR-enriched library, 490 white colonies were randomly selected and sequenced. In the 490 sequenced clones, 85 clones (17.35%) were redundant. Among the remaining 405 unique clones, 201 clones (49.6%) contained microsatellite sequences. As a result, 12 primer pairs produced reproducible polymorphic bands within diverse 4 strains and these selected markers were further characterized in 32 Flammulina velutipes strains. A total of 34 alleles were detected using the 12 markers, with an average of 3.42 alleles and the number of alleles ranged from two to seven per locus. The major allele frequency ranged from 0.42 (GB-FV-127) to 0.98 (GB-FV-166), and values for observed (HO) and expected (HE) heterozygosity ranged from 0.00 to 0.94 (mean = 0.18) and from 0.03 to 0.67 (mean = 0.32), respectively. SSR loci amplified with GB-FV-127 markers gave the highest polymorphism information content (PIC) of 0.61 and mean allele number of five, while for loci amplified with GB-FV-166 markers these values were the lowest, namely 0.03 and two. The mean PIC value (0.29) observed in the present study with average number of alleles (3.42). The genetic relationships among 32 Flammulina velutipes strains based on SSR data were generated by UPGMA cluster analysis. In conclusion, we succeeded in developing 12 polymorphic SSRs markers from SSR-enriched library of Flammulina velutipes. These SSRs are presently being used for phylogenic analysis and evaluation of genetic variations. In future, these SSR markers will be used in clarifying taxonomic relationships among the Flammulina velutipes.

‘Baekseung’, a new variety of Flammulina velutipes, was bred by mating two monokaryotic strains isolated from KMCC 4210 and KMCC 4216 in Mushroom Research Division, Baekseung ARES in 2016. Baekseung showed fast mycelial growth and high mycelial density on MEA (Malt Extract Agar) media for 7days of incubation. Spawn running period on the sawdust substrate required 30days at 25°C. The cultivation period and optimum temperature were 11±1 days at 14°C for primordia formation and 14±1 days at 7°C for fruiting body development. The length of pilei and stipes in Baekseung harvested in optimal stage exhibited 11.3±0.4㎜ and 89.2±7.1㎜ and Megumi harvested in optimal stage showed 8.2±1.0㎜ and 95.9±5.0㎜ respectively. Yield of Baekseung and Megumi strain grown of sawdust substrate was 153.7±12.5g and 150.5±29.7g per 850ml in bottle cultivation. The inferred tree exhibited the difference of phylogenetic relationship between the Korean white fruiting body strains such as Baekseung, Uri1ho, Fv-14-a-38, and Fv-14-a-51 and the Japanese white fruiting body strain Megumi.

‘Baekseung’, a new variety of Flammulina velutipes, was bred by mating two monokaryotic strains isolated from KMCC 4210 and KMCC 4216 in the Mushroom Research Division, Baekseung ARES in 2016. The Baekseung and Uri1ho strains showed fast mycelial growth and mycelial density on malt extract agar media after 7 days of incubation. The spawn running period on the sawdust substrate required a cultivation period and temperature of 30 days and 25oC, respectively, for primordia formation where in fruiting body development occurred from 11±1 days at 14oC and 14±1 days at 7oC. The length of the pilei and stipes of the Baekseung harvested in optimal stag were 11.3±0.4 and 89.2±7.1 mm, respectively, whereas the values for Uri1ho were 10.7±1.0 and 91.3±20.8 mm, respectively. The yield of the Baekseung and Uri1ho strain grown on the sawdust substrate was 153.7±12.5 and 139.8±17.8 g, respectively, per 850 ml in bottle cultivation. The inferred tree exhibited a phylogenetic relationship between the Korean white fruiting body strains of Baekseung, Uri1ho and Fv-14-a-38, Fv-14-a-51, and the Japanese white fruiting body-forming strains of KMCC 4226, and these were confirmed to be genetically related.

Oyster mushrooms are widely cultivated and consumed in Korea. P. ostreatus 'Suhan(ASI 2504)' is an ideal cultivar for mushroom farmers due to its dark pileus and thick stipe; however, as it is very sensitive to environmental conditions, an alternative cultivar is required. To develop a new cultivar, parental strains 'Suhan(ASI 2504)' and ‘ASI 0665 (Heuktari)’ were selected from various collected strains according to morphological characteristics. P. ostreatus ‘Soltari’ was developed by Di- Mon crossing between the dikaryotic strain ‘Suhan’ and the monokaryotic strain derived from ‘Heuktari’. Thirty-eight of the 100 crossed strains were selected following analysis of mitochondrial genetic characteristics, and 'Soltari' was ultimately selected by continuous cultivation tests. The mitochondrial DNA profile of ‘Soltari’ was found to be the same as that of ‘Heuktari, and a nuclear DNA profile of ‘Soltari’ was similar as those of the parental strains, ‘Suhan’ and ‘Heuktari.’ 'Soltari' mycelium grows adequately in moderate to high temperatures of 12–20oC, although its optimum temperature was found to be 30oC. Fruiting body production per 1.1-L cultivation bottle was approximately 158.8 g. Its stipe length and thickness were comparable to those of diameter and thickness were somewhat lower (42.72 vs. 51.33 mm and 18.18 vs. 22.46 mm, respectively). ‘Soltari’ was found to be more resistant to high CO2 atmosphere than 'Suhan', and the color of the pileus of 'Soltari' was dark gray at high temperature. Therefore, it is suggested that this new cultivar ‘Soltari’ is a good alternative cultivar and will contribute to energy saving in oyster mushroom farms.

The production scale of mushrooms in Korea is approximately 600 billion won, which is 1.6% of Korea’s gross agricultural output. In Korea, ca. 190,000 tons of mushrooms are harvested annually. Although the numbers of mushroom farms and cultivators are constantly decreasing, total mushroom yields are increasing owing to large-scale cultivation facilities and automation. The recent expansion of the well-being trend has caused an increase in mushroom consumption in Korea: the annual per capita mushroom was 3.9 kg (’13), whichis a little higher than that in Europe. Thus, mushroom export, mainly Flammulina velutipes and Pleurotus ostreatus, has increased since the mid-2000s. Recently, however, it is slightly reduced. Nevertheless, Vietnam, Hong Kong, the United States, and the Netherlands continue to export mushrooms, and Korea has increased its export to Australia, Canada, Southeast Asia, etc. Canned Agaricus bisporus, the first export of the Korean mushroom industry, reached it speak sales in 1977-1978. When Korea initiated trade with China in 1980, the international prices of mushrooms fell sharply, leading to shrinkage of the domestic markets. Spurred by the high demand to develop substitute goods for A. bisporus, the oyster mushroom (P. ostreatus) gained attention since it seemed to suit the taste of Korean consumers. Although the log cultivation technique for oyster mushroom was developed in the early 1970s, it required a great deal of labor. Thus, we developed the shelf cultivation technique, which is easier to manage and allows for mass production. In this technique, the growing shelf is made mafrom fermented rice straw, whichis the only P. ostreatus medium in the world and isused only in South Korea. After then, the use of cotton wastes as an additional material of medium, the productivity. Currently, we are developing a standard cultivation technique and environmental control system that can stably produce mushrooms throughout the year. The increase of oyster mushroom production may boostthe domestic market and contribute to industrial development. In addition, oyster mushroom production technology played a role in forming the basis for the development of bottle cultivation, which made mass production . In particular, bottle cultivation using liquid spawn could allow for the export of F. velutipes and Pleurotus eryngii. In addition, the white varieties of F. velutipes were second developed in the world after Japan. We also developed the new A. bisporus cultivar ‘Saeah’, which is easy to grow in Korea. In hopes to advance the mushroom industry, we will continue to develop cultivars with international competitive power and to improve cultivation techniques.

NGS data was yielded by using Illumina Hiseq platform. The short reads were filtered by quality score and read length were mapped against the reference genome (KACC42780). Genome-wide reanalyzed data of Flammulina strains were compared against the reference genome to establish a genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP). The rate of mapping differences between the strains reflected in the strain variation in its result. The genome-wide SNPs distribution divided into types of homozygous SNP and heterozygous SNP moreover all of the strains demonstrated a wide variation in all of the regions. In the further study of topological relationship between the collected strains, phylogenetic tree was separated into 3 major groups. Group I contained F. velutipes var. related strains of ASI 4062, 4148, 4195. Group Ⅱ contained strains that were different species of ASI 4188 F. elastica, ASI 4190 F. fennae, and ASI 4194 F. rossica. The other 19 strains F. velutipes were classified as a single group. Polymorphic SNPs of F. velutipes strains representing the phylogenetic segregation of whiteand brown-fruiting body forming groups were compared. As previously reported, white gene expression is recessive to brown in fruiting body color gene expression. The white strains produced 131,874 SNPs to be aa type and homozygous from of SNP. 407,947 SNPs were detected as AA, Aa type from the brown-fruiting body of SNP. We constructed a SNP matrix with 8 white strains and 12 brown strains. To develop the molecular marker related in to fruiting body color and geographical origin, we isolated 240 SNPs from the white-and brown-fruiting body forming. To determine the chromosome relationship on polymorphic SNP between Korea and Japan strains producing white-fruiting body, we analyzed that the Korea white strains detected 185,695 SNPs and the Japan white strains produced 263,811 SNPs. Using the constructed SNP matrix with 3 Korea white strains and 3 Japan white strains, the experiment generated 475 SNPs of phylogenetic SNPs fromKorea and Japan white-fruiting body. As a result, we regarded as they are potentially related to the white color. White and brown color and origin specific SNPs could be used as an identification marker for selection of F. veluipes strains in the breeding program.

The aim of this study was to analyze the genetic diversity of collected strains of Hypsizygus marmoreus based on their rDNA ITS sequences. The size of ITS rDNA regions of H. marmoreus strains, collected form various regions. A phylogenetic trees based on the ITS region revealed that the strains could be classified into 4 different groups including Villosiclava virens, Hypsizygus marmoreus, Lepista irina, Lyophyllum Decastes, Lyophyllum shimeji, Pleurotus floridanus.

This study was conducted to obtain a growth correlation of basal information from the development of disease resistantFlammulina velutipes cultivars through back-crossing between the strains of wild-type brown monokaryon 4019-20 and thederivative of commercial quality white monokaryons 3. The two strains were selected to back-cross for further enhancing their latentattributes and growth characteristics. The parents of 4019-20×M3 back-crossed to reproduce F1, M3-Sn. Using F1, M3-Sn procuredand isolated into 94 monokaryon strains. Further examination of growth characteristics carried out by back-crossing between M3and BC1F1 from M3-n dikaryon. Monokaryon exhibited an irregular growth pattern and demonstrated to be sluggish development inthe sawdust medium. However BC1F1(M3-n) dikaryon strains confirmed mostly regular growth pattern and demonstrated ordinarygrowth in the sawdust medium. The fruitbody of BC1F1 confirmed as light-brown colour to be the dominant gene. The colourdistributions of fruitbody, BC1F1, resulted as follows; 7% of dark brown, 25% of brown , 27% of light brown, 16% of ivory and 25%of white. The ratio of the other color to white showed 3 to 1 which suggested two major genes were related to fruitbody color.

‘Baekjung’ adaptable to high temperature was made by crossing between monokaryon derived from selfing of brownstrain and monokaryon derived from Korea white strain. In the condition that temperature is maintained at 10oC without lowtemperature of 4oC suppressing treatment and wrapping during cultivation period, it showed good productivity thanUri1ho(control). The optimum temperature of mycelial growth was 30oC and that of fruiting body initiation and developmentwere 14oC and 7oC, respectively. The days for the fruiting and yield were 7days and 277±11.2g per 1,100ml bottle,respectively. This variety needed high concentration of carbon dioxide up to 4,000 ppm for the good quality.

A total of 25 strains of Flammulina velutipes were analyzed to identify the genomic regions responsible for producing white-fruiting body. NGS data was yielded by using Illumina Hiseq platform. Short reads were filtered by quality score and read length were mapped on the reference genome (KACC42780). Between the white- and brown fruitbody forming strains, we found 9376 SNPs, of which 8178 were non-polymorphic and 1198 were polymorphic. There is a high possibility that SNPs can be detected among the white strains as homozygous because white phenotype is recessive in F. velutipes. Thus, we constructed SNP matrix within 8 white strains. SNPs discovered between mono3 and mono19, the parental monokaryotic strains of 4120 strain (white), were excluded from the candidate. If the genotypes of SNPs detected between white and brown strains were identical with those in mono3 and mono19 strains, they were included in candidate as a priority. As a result, if more than 5 candidates SNPs were localized in single gene, we regarded as they are possibly related to the white color. In F. velutipes genome, chr08: 950kb-2650kb, chr09: 500kb-1400kb, chr09: 2800kb-4350kb, and chr11: 2450kb-3500kb regions were identified to be associated with white fruitbody forming.