Molecular Characterization of Three Wild Pholiota Species and the First Report of Pholiota adiposa Cultivation in India
Pholiota is one of the important genera of edible mushrooms. Among its various species, Pholiota adiposa and P. microspora are the most important commercial edible mushrooms in Asian countries. However, there are no reports of Pholiota cultivation in India. Therefore, we identified three different species, viz., P. microspora (DMRO‐53 and DMRO‐407), P. adiposa (DMRX‐643), and P. multicingulata (DMRX‐927, DMRX‐947, and DMRX‐957) using an internal transcribed spacer (ITS)‐based molecular identification approach. In vitro analysis of these strains indicated that 25 °C was found to be the optimal temperature for mycelial growth. Genetic diversity analysis using ITS and sequence‐related amplified polymorphism (SRAP) markers categorized these species into three distinct groups. Cultivation and yield evaluation of these wild strains on sterilized wheat straw substrate resulted in fruiting in only one species, i.e., P. adiposa (DMRX‐643). The spawn run was completed in 21.5 days, and the first harvest was recorded at 45.7 days with 27.5% biological efficiency. Taxonomic characterization further confirmed the identity of this strain as P. adiposa . The fruiting bodies of P. adiposa exhibited a nutrient‐dense profile characterized by high mineral content (8.23 g ash/100 g dry weight), moderate protein (10.07/100 g), and low fat (1.50/100 g). This mushroom also showed notable antioxidant properties (DPPH radical scavenging activity; 48.34%), phenolics (30.31 mg GAE/100 g), and trace amounts of β‐carotene and lycopene. This is the first report of P. adiposa domestication from India, which holds potential value for specialty mushroom growers as well as for enhancing mushroom diversity in the country.