Self-fructification associated with genetic instability in Coprinus radiatus

Abstract

In the basidiomycete Coprinus radiatus, crosses gave rise with a high frequency to 2 types of self-fructifying progeny. The first type showed monokaryotic fruiting due to the occurrence of a mutation associated with the B1 incompatibility factor. The second type showed fruiting due to the presence of the 2 parental genomes in the original spore. Mutability and abnormal development of the life cycle are responsible for self-fructification. These features occurred in progeny of related strains harbouring a genetic instability located at the Nic-2 locus. High mutability, disturbance of the development of the life cycle and genetic instability are traits which resemble hybrid dysgenesis in Drosophila and meiotic dysgenesis in Phycomyces.