Cultural and Morphological Characterization of Agaricus bisporus strains

Cultural and morphological variations of seven strains of Agaricus bisporus (CM-1, CM-5, CM-10, Delta, S-130, S-140 & X-13) and a strain (NCB-13) of A. bitorquis were studied on the basis of growth on MEA medium, synthetic compost and casing soil, and different characters of their fruiting body. S-130 showed maximum growth on MEA medium, compost and casing soil whereas NCB-13 produced higher fruit body weight and stipe width. Lesser stipe length and maximum pileus diameter were observed in strain Delta. Maximum pileus thickness was observed in CM-5. These informations generated in the present study will be useful in breeding programmes to develop high yielding strains of button mushroom.