Mating systems in Marasmius

Fourteen species representing six sections in Marasmius were established in monokaryon cultures made from fresh material collected from the southern Appalachian Mountains. These monokaryons were used for self-crosses and intercollection crosses. By understanding mating systems (compatibility systems) in Marasmius, as well as morphological and cultural characteristics, data on which to base systematic concepts in this genus will increase. Self-crossess of monokaryon isolates revealed a consistency of mating system types at the sectional level. Some sections were found to be predominately bipolar while other sections predominately tetrapolar. Descriptions of mating system types, macromorphologies of mated colonies, mating reactions, and unusual micromorphologies are provided. In addition, intercollection crosses were made to compare morphological species concepts from this study area (Desjardin, 1989) to "biological species" data. Also, through intercollection crosses, distribution of mating type alleles were analysed.