Abstract:
Members of the genus Pleurotus are macro fungi belonging to the phylum Basiomycetes. They are important source of food and medicinal compounds among many local communities. Limited studies have been done to identify and characterize Pleurotus species based on genetic characteristics in different parts of the world. However, no previous studies have been undertaken to understand the genetic characteristics of the wild species in Kenya. A total of 71 samples of wild Pleurotus species were randomly collected from Kakamega Forest, Arabuko Sokoke Forest and Mount Kenya Forest. Thirteen samples of commonly cultivated Pleurotus species were obtained from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology. Genetic variability and phylogenetic relationships were evaluated using amplified fragment length polymorphic markers and ITS sequences of the ribosomal DNA respectively. Five primer combinations used generated 330 polymorphic loci across 84 samples. The mean diversity estimate between the wild (0.27) and cultivated (0.24) species was small and is not statistically significant. However, diversity was great within (89%; P>0.001) than among populations. Phylogenetic analysis revealed Pleurotus ostreatus, Pleurotus eryngii, Pleurotus sp. ‘Florida’ and Pleurotus sp.YL005 as part of diversity of Pleurotus species in Kenya. The broad diversity within populations suggests the possibility of obtaining commercially suitable wild species for cultivation.
