Pseudolagarobasidium calcareum: Japanese records and cultural characteristics

Abstract

Pseudolagarobasidium calcareum (Basidiomycotina, Corticiaceae s.l.) is newly reported for Japan, and its cultural characteristics are described for the first time. Seven of nine Japanese and Taiwanese specimens examined produce arthroconidia associated with the basidiomata. Variability in color of the hymenial surface is also observed among the specimens. In culture, this species is characterized by fiber hyphae (quasi-binding hyphae) and arthroconidia. Mating tests reveal a multiallelic, bifactorial incompatibility system of this fungus and intercompatibility between Japanese and Taiwanese strains. This species resembles Pseudolagarobasidium subvinosum but differs in producing the fiber hyphae not only in culture but also in the basidiomata.