Evaluation of genetic diversity among strains of shiitake mushroom using random primers

Lentinula edodes (Berk). Pegler, commonly known as shiitake mushroom, has become popular because of its medicinal properties. The molecular phylogeny among seven strains of L. edodes (LeC, LeI, LeS, OE-38, OE-142, OE-329 and OE-388) was studied using random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD). It was observed that LeI, LeC, OE-38 and LeS were more closer to one another as compared to other strains. The combined effect of all the primers and all the genotypes indicated that there was not 100 per cent similarity between any 2 genotypes. Thus, RAPD analysis indicated divergent nature of LeC and LeI strains as compared to other strains.