
Would this Work for Creating Hybrid Strains??
#21
Posted 08 April 2008 - 08:37 PM
The F1 hybrids will likely have a normal looking phenotype because of Dominant Gene Expression.
The F2 generation should show a much wider range of phenotype expression than either of the original parent strains.
The change in phenotype should be obvious when compared to the Controls.
The hybrid mycelium should also consistently outperform the mycelium of the more homozygous parent strains.
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#22
Posted 08 April 2008 - 09:49 PM
#23
Posted 08 April 2008 - 10:03 PM
I like the feedback, thanks.
Your misconception on the life process of mushrooms is common, so don't feel too bad.
Welcome.
#24
Posted 08 April 2008 - 11:08 PM
"Mixing ungerminated spores together should allow mating between strains of the same species (avoid mixing premade syringes since the spores can germinate within the syringe before use). Since most cubensis look relatively the same and an individual spore print from a single strain can generate a range of phenotypes, you need to use very different looking strains of cubensis to be certain of hybridization (and yes, I would call these hybrids in the broadest sense, just like hybrid corn which is also not an interspecies or intergeneric cross).
The obvious problem is distinguishing hybrids from selfed strains. Randomly mixing spores is a crude method and you are going to end up with a mixture of the original strains and hopefully some hybrids (assuming they are compatible). The hybrids won't necessarily look intermediate between the two original strains. If the parents were relatively true breeding without much variability, all of the hybrids are going to look about the same as each other (uniform) as they will each get 50% of their genes from each parent. Only later generations from spores will give you that mix of traits you are looking for (see below)
My initial hybrid work was between the PF albino and the PE strains, both true breeding from spores and easily distinguished from other strains. The cross looked like a normal unremarkable cubensis lacking the penis shaped caps and albinism of the parents. In this case the normal appearance helped confirm the cross but you can imagine that a normal looking cubensis isn't going to stand out in most other crosses. Controlled crosses are better in this regard since you can be sure the result is a hybrid no matter what it looks like.
Another issue is that you can't perpetuate the hybrid if you use the hybrid's spores to start the next generation. There will be all sorts of new strains revealed in the F2 generation as the mix of genes in the hybrid are recombined. Only after selecting for the traits you want for about 6 generations will the features you are after stabilize into a distinct strain (I use strain in the broadest sense even if its not technically correct).
The fact that a hybrid won't breed true is a method that vegetable seed suppliers count on for repeated sales and to discourage seed saving (the bastards). A package of hybrid corn seed will generate a superior and uniform corn crop. If you save that corn crop to replant the next season (to save money), you will end up with all sorts of mixed traits and not all will be as good as the original hybrid seed. This is bad for farmers but can be fun for the home gardener.
So the short answer is, yes it will work but you may not be able to tell. Hybrids tend to show hybrid vigor so even if you aren't sure or can't prove you were successful with the hybridization you may still end up with a superior strain. A good clue that a hybrid is successful is if the F2 generation from the hybrid's spores produces a wide range of phenotypes.
Go for it and have fun.
That is a very good point about using spores of the same freshness to help syncronize germination. That is something I didn't even consider and is potentially very important."
#25
Posted 08 April 2008 - 11:28 PM
Plants and fungi are different, but the genetic laws are the same.
Many of the random parents from single strain multi-spore inoculations may be undesirable for breeding since they may pass on tendencies such as slow growth, weak activity or retarded maturation.
However, creating hybrids of strains will produce, on the average, larger and more desirable offspring than their homozygous parents. This condition is called hybrid vigor and results from the hybrid crossing of two diverse gene pools. The tendency is for many of the dominant characteristics from both parents to be transmitted to the F1 offspring, resulting in particularly large and vigorous mushrooms. This increased vigor due to recombination of dominant genes may also raise the Psilocybin level of the F1 offspring, hybridization also opens up the possibility that undesirable (usually recessive) genes may form pairs and express their characteristics in the F2 offspring. Hybrid vigor may also mask inferior qualities due to abnormally rapid growth.The possible F2 combinations are tremendous.
With some care the breeder can avoid the hidden dangers of unconscious selection. Definite goals are vital to progress in breeding Psilocybe mushrooms. What qualities are desired in a strain that it does not already exhibit? What characteristics does a strain exhibit that are unfavorable and should be bred out?
Answers to these questions suggest goals for breeding. In addition to a basic knowledge of mushroom botany, propagation, and genetics, the successful breeder also becomes aware of the most minute differences and similarities in phenotype. A sensitive rapport is established between breeder and mushrooms and at the same time strict guidelines are followed. Selection is the first and most important step in the breeding of any mushroom.
One must get clearly in mind the kind of mushroom he wants, then breed and select to that end, always choosing through a series of generations the mushrooms which are approaching nearest the ideal, and rejecting all others.
Proper selection of prospective parents is only possible if the breeder is familiar with the variable characteristics of Psilocybe mushrooms that may be genetically controlled, has a way to accurately measure these variations, and has established goals for improving these characteristics by selective breeding. By selecting against unfavorable traits while selecting for favorable ones, the unconscious breeding of poor strains is avoided.
Essential Points of Mushroom Breeding
1.The genotypes of mushrooms are controlled by genes which are passed on unchanged from generation to generation.
2.Genes occur in pairs, one from each parent spore.
3.When the members of a gene pair differ in their effect upon phenotype, the mushroom is termed hybrid or heterozygous.
4.When the members of a pair of genes are equal in their effect upon phenotype, then they are termed truebreeding or homozygous.
5.Pairs of genes controlling different phenotypic traits are (usually) inherited independently.
6.Dominance relations and gene interaction can alter the phenotypic ratios of the F1, F2, and subsequent generations.
Genotype and Phenotype Ratios
Phenotype and genotype ratios are probabilistic. If recessive genes are desired for three traits it is not
effective to raise only 64 offspring and count on getting one homozygous recessive individual. To increase the probability of success it is better to raise hundreds of offspring, choosing only the best homozygous recessive individuals as future parents. All laws of inheritance are based on chance and offspring may not approach predicted ratios until many more have been phenotypically characterized and grouped than the theoretical minimums.
The genotype of each individual is expressed by a mosaic of thousands of subtle overlapping traits. It is the sum total of these traits that determines the general pheno- type of an individual. It is often difficult to determine if the characteristic being selected is one trait or the blending of several traits and whether these traits are controlled by one or several pairs of genes. It often makes little difference that a breeder does not have mushrooms that are proven to breed true. Breeding goals can still be established. The selfing of F1 hybrids will often give rise to the variation needed in the F2 generation for selecting parents for subsequent gen-
erations, even if the characteristics of the original parents of the F1 hybrid are not known. It is in the following generations that fixed characteristics appear and the breeding of pure strains can begin. By selecting and crossing individuals that most nearly approach the ideal described by the breeding goals, the variety can be continuously improved even if the exact patterns of inheritance are never determined. Complementary traits are eventually combined into one line whose seeds reproduce the favorable parental traits. Inbreeding strains also allows weak recessive traits to express
themselves and these abnormalities must be diligently removed from the breeding population. After five or six generations, strains become amazingly uniform. Vigor is occasionally restored by crossing with other lines or by backcrossing.
Parental mushrooms are selected which most nearly approach the ideal. If a desirable trait is not expressed
by the parent, it is much less likely to appear in the offspring. It is imperative that desirable characteristics be hereditary and not primarily the result of environment and cultivation. Acquired traits
are not hereditary and cannot be made hereditary. Breeding for as few traits as possible at one time
greatly increases the chance of success. In addition to the specific traits chosen as the aims of breeding,
parents are selected which possess other generally desirable traits such as vigor and size. Determinations
of dominance and recessiveness can only be made by observing the outcome of many crosses, although wild traits often tend to be dominant. This is one of the keys to adaptive survival. However, all the possible combinations will appear in the F2 generation if it is large enough, regardless of dominance.
Now, after further simplifying this wonderful system of inheritance, there are additional exceptions to the rules which must be explored. In some cases, a pair of genes may control a trait but a second or third pair of genes is needed to express this trait. This is known as gene interaction. No particular genetic attribute in which we may be interested is totally isolated from other genes and the effects of environment. Genes are occasionally transferred in groups instead of assorting independently. This is known as gene linkage, These genes are spaced along the same chromosome and may or may not control
the same trait. The result of linkage might be that one trait cannot be inherited without another. At
times, traits may be associated with the sex chromosomes and they may be limited to expression in only one sex (sex linkage). Crossing over also interferes with the analysis of crosses. Crossing over is the exchanging of entire pieces of genetic material between two chromosomes. This can result in two genes that are nor- mally linked appearing on separate chromosomes where they will be independently inherited. All of these processes can cause crosses to deviate from the expected Mendelian outcome.
Chance is a major factor in breeding mushrooms, and the more crosses a breeder attempts the higher are the chances of success.
Variate, isolate, intermate, evaluate, multiplicate, and disseminate are the key words in mushroom improvement. A mushroom breeder begins by producing or collecting various prospective parents from which the most desirable ones are selected and isolated. Intermating of the select parents results in offspring which must be evaluated for favorable characteristics. If evaluation indicates that the offspring are not improved, then the process is repeated. Improved offspring are multiplied and disseminated. Further evaluation in the field is necessary to check for uniformity and to choose parents for further intermating. This cyclic approach provides a balanced system of mushroom improvement.
The basic nature of mushrooms make them challenging to breed. Developing a knowledge and feel for the mushroom is more important than memorizing Mendelian ratios. The words of the great Luther Burbank say it well, "Heredity is indelibly fixed by repetition."
List of Favorable Traits of Mushrooms in Which Variation Occurs
1. General Traits
a) Size and Yield
b) Vigor
c) Adaptability
d) Hardiness
e) Disease and Pest Resistance
f) Maturation
g) Mycelium Production
h) Pin set
2. Specific Traits
a) Shape
b) Form
c) Color
d) Psilocybin/Psilocin Level
e) Taste and Aroma
f) Drying Rate
g) Ease of Harvest
h) Spore Characteristics
i) Maturation
feel free to add to or correct this journal..
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#26
Posted 08 April 2008 - 11:33 PM
like was said already
the hard part will be making sure it's really a cross
and not just variation within a strain.
#27
Posted 10 April 2008 - 06:43 AM
I think with most strains this would be hard to do, but falbino and pe6 are unique enough looking to pull it off.
There is no mistaking these two strains for each other when started from multi-spore.
My use of controls will help show any change in phenotype.
#28
Posted 10 April 2008 - 09:00 AM
Do you really think this? There are 100s of substrains in every single multispore inoculation. Even one singe mushroom can have multiple substrians within in.Thanks.
I think with most strains this would be hard to do, but falbino and pe6 are unique enough looking to pull it off.
There is no mistaking these two strains for each other when started from multi-spore.
My use of controls will help show any change in phenotype.
and you want to use two already crossed strains there are 1000s of sub strains within all those spores and even if you can find a fruit that looks something that you like it will most likely be a variation of one of the four parent strains and a spore print from it would bring you back to square one. Sorry im not trying to be a dick im just thinking to my self there is NO way you will ever know
#29
Posted 10 April 2008 - 09:42 AM
I wont be isolating, but comparing multispore from each strain to the f2 generation of the hybrid.
Its important to get to know the phenotype of each strain and be able to document any change.
Anyone thats grown the two parent strains (falbino and pe6), know they have certain traits that are unique unto themselves.
Its all about comparing the ratio of multispore phenotypes from the F2 of the hybrid to the parent strains.
A good eye for detail also helps in the equation.
This method could also be used to fix certain phenotypes by backcrossing and mating homozygous individuals.
#30
Posted 10 April 2008 - 11:06 AM
Do you really think this? There are 100s of substrains in every single multispore inoculation. Even one singe mushroom can have multiple substrians within in.
and you want to use two already crossed strains there are 1000s of sub strains within all those spores and even if you can find a fruit that looks something that you like it will most likely be a variation of one of the four parent strains and a spore print from it would bring you back to square one. Sorry im not trying to be a dick im just thinking to my self there is NO way you will ever know
#31
Posted 10 April 2008 - 02:45 PM
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#32
Posted 10 April 2008 - 03:18 PM
I want to try and avoid isolating early on, and let a larger portion of genotypes have a chance to compete in a multi spore enviroment and show final phenotype.
I could isolate first, but don't see a point in the extra step.
The typical hybrid should outgrow the controls and have a normal cube look.
Not all of the hybrids from the two strains will show this vigor.
But a large enough portion should to notice, and allow isolation of the hybrid.
The much greater variation in the F2 from the controls will confirm the hybrid.
#33
Posted 10 April 2008 - 03:31 PM
yeah, ime the hybrid strains do seem to be faster. you should be able to isolate at anytime.. me? i like to bury myself in work :lol: "but there would be so many options to work with! hahaha!" holy shit :o
:heart:
#34
Posted 10 April 2008 - 06:27 PM
i would recommend early isolation on agar. make numerous cultures. this will help to seperate the strains being produced, thus making any crosses much easier to identify.
If you don't do this it invalidates your results because you can't really be sure. If you keep doing more experiments you might eventually get the evidence you want especially if you're looking for it :)
Im anxiously awaiting the results
#35
Posted 10 April 2008 - 07:05 PM
Your gonna get more phenotypes to choose from if you let them all express themselves.
its harder to get lucky if your just selecting from a few unknown isolations on agar.
I predict the hybrids will be obvious.
The controls are the proof.
#37
Posted 10 April 2008 - 11:25 PM

#39
Posted 11 April 2008 - 02:10 PM
An important part of this is that you can use clones that have been selected from good fruiting MS innocs!
It's been discussed and decided in the past that this works on cubensis, but to my knowledge noone is aware of any well documented examples used on this species.
(Oh yeah.... this can also work to hybridize different species, or different strains that would normally be incompatible to fuse via the normal 2 monokaryote route.)
The nice thing about this method is that allows the selection of the particular fruiting substrains to be fused and they need not be monokaryotic. This should also make identification of a true hybrid easier to be sure of, as there should be no signifigant shift from the original clones if there is no hybrid obtained.
The eastern diamondback rattlesnake works as well as the western and this is quite a common snake the the USA.
Anyone have any further info about this, or interest in trying this out for a cross-species psilocybe?
Here is a paper detailling this process:
Pharmaceutical Mushrooms- Cordyceps sinensis
Cmon yall, how about a weilii-cubie cross?!
:amazed:
#40
Posted 11 April 2008 - 02:36 PM
PE6 was created using snake venom.
Thats a great link though, thanks