Longevity of light- and dark-colored basidiospores from saprotrophic mushroom-forming fungi.

Fungi can produce resistant propagules that may last for decades. Basidiospores from ectomycorrhizal fungi had been experimentally shown to last for at least 6 yr, but there are few reports on the longevity of saprotrophic members of mushroom-forming fungi. Here, the author shows evidence of spore longevity of these fungi by collecting, drying, storing, and germinating these spores over time. Results showed that dark-colored spores have a much-extended longevity as compared to light-colored spores. Dark-colored spores of some species are viable to at least 2.8 yr, whereas light-colored spores are generally viable for a much shorter period of time. The author proposes that mushroom-forming basidiomycete fungi employ two different ecological strategies: one with extended longevity that allows for long-distance dispersal, and the other takes advantage of optimal conditions that support both mushroom formation, basidiospore dispersal, and germination locally.