Agar plate assays using dye-linked substrates differentiate members of Tricholoma sect. Caligata, ectomycorrhizal symbionts represented by Tricholoma matsutake

Tricholoma matsutake is an ectomycorrhizal fungus that produces the prized mushrooms “matsutake” in association with the Pinaceae. Other species of Tricholoma sect. Caligata are also ectomycorrhizal symbionts that produce a variety of “quasi-matsutake” mushrooms. Here we developed agar plate assays using the dye-linked substrates azurine-crosslinked (AZCL) hydroxyethyl cellulose and AZCL-amylose to differentiate T. matsutake strains and related species based on their polysaccharide-degrading activities. This method may be useful for screening strains that adapt well to spawn cultivation for mushroom fruiting.