Life Cycle of Agaricus: Agaricus members include flesh cap-like mushrooms which range between edible and some poisonous members. Some well-known members of the genus Agaricus include the Agaricus bisporus (common button mushroom) and Agaricus campestris (field mushroom). In this article, we will read about the life cycle of Agaricus, its classification and Agaricus characteristics.
Table of Content
What is Agaricus Mushroom?
Agaricus bisporus is the most commonly known mushroom sold in grocery stores. Naturally, they grow in wild fields, however, they are grown in a controlled medium, for commercial needs. Their lifecycle begins with a small tiny spore which grows into a macroscopic mycelium that can further produce more spores which continue the further growth of the species. It is cyclical with a series of events repeating over generations.
Agaricus Classification
Members of the genus Agaricus belong to the kingdom of Fungi. Below is the detailed classification of the genus:
|
Kingdom |
Fungi |
|---|---|
|
Division |
Basidiomycota |
|
Class |
Agaricomycetes |
|
Order |
Agaricomycales |
|
Family |
Agaricacae |
|
Genus |
Agaricus |
There are over 30 families with 10,000 species under the order Agaricales. Most species grow in wild and natural conditions. However, some species are popular for their nutritional and antioxidant properties. Hence, they are also grown on a commercial scale under a controlled environment.
Life Cycle of Agaricus Species
The life cycle of Agaricus follows a cyclical pattern similar to most mushrooms. The adult mushroom body produces tiny pores that grow into the complete adult body. This adult mushroom again produces the spores that can lead a completely new life again.
However, for a better understanding, we have categorised the various stages of the life history of Agaricus:
Inoculation
Inoculation is the first stage where the fungal spores are introduced into the growth medium or suitable substrate. This substrate acts like soil does for plants allowing the fungal body to grow on it.
Spore Germination
Agaricus spores germinate under favourable conditions and form thin hyphae. Female and male hyphae form a fertile mycelium. Mycelia of Agaricus resembles and acts like the roots of plants.
Mycelium Growth
The mycelium that is formed will expand and grow exponentially. It depends on the organic substrate and takes nutrients to support the mycelial growth.
Hyphal Knot and Primordia Generation
The mycelium grows exponentially and compresses into a knot-like form generating hyphal knots and primordia. The hyphal knot condenses into primordia. Primordia appear like tiny, pin head structures that usually appear or pop up out of the soil after rain. These can be considered as the smaller versions of adult fruiting bodies. However, not all primordia can develop into fruiting bodies.
Fruiting Body Formation
The actual mushrooms that we commonly consider as mushrooms are the fruiting bodies. The primordia of the highest productivity and growth rates can mature into fruiting bodies. Typically, primordia grow in size finally enlarging into ovoid, round button-like structures or the basidiocarp.
Maturation and Release of Spores
The fruiting bodies mature and grow to full size. The spore release is the final stage of Agaricus life cycle. The released spores are enormous in number. They are borne on the gills of the mushroom cap or the pileus. The released spores begin a new fungal life cycle upon inoculation and successful germination on a suitable substrate.
Life Cycle of Agaricus with Diagram
Given below is the life cycle of Agaricus with a diagram:
Growth of Agaricus
Agaricus mushrooms grow on dead and decaying organic matter. In simple terms, they live on the biomass generated by other living organisms. Agaricus secretes enzymes externally. These enzymes break down organic matter into simple forms that in turn are absorbed by the hyphae.
Commonly they grow in the grasslands and woodland habitats. However, they are grown for human usage on a large scale. Here they are grown in a controlled environment with controlled light and humidity. Agaricus can break down the organic matter that is selectively provided by the grower and utilise it for the growth of fungal biomass.
Structure and Appearance of Agaricus
Most common field mushrooms of the Agaricus genus have a creamy white cap that is borne on a fleshy stem. On the underside of the fleshy cap are the pink-coloured gills that eventually turn to brown colour upon ageing.
The Agaricus body is divided into two parts:
- Vegetative mycelium (that lives inside the soil)
- Basidiocarp (fruiting body that appears outside the soil surface)
Agaricus Characteristics
Agaricus are mainly edible and known as mushrooms. There are several characteristics which vary among species. Common characteristics include:
- Cap: Agaricus composed of a cap which looks like a shape of convex when it is young and becomes flattened when it matures. They vary in colour from white to brown and also vary on the basis of maturity.
- Gills: Beneath the cap gills are present, they are pink when agaricus are young and turn into brown colour when it matures.
- Stem: It is the common characteristics of Agaricus, it is cylindrical and smooth with constant diameter.
- Ring: Some species of Agaricus have rings on their stem which protects the gills as mushroom grows
- Presence: Most of the agaricus are found in grassy areas, fields, meadows, and woodland edges.
- Edibility: Most of Agaricus are edible and safe for consumption. Commonly known Button mushrooms are used in cooking.
Agaricus Commercially Important Species
Mushrooms are rich in antioxidants like Se (selenium), Ascorbic acid (vitamin C), and choline. They are a source of phenolic compounds, unsaturated fatty acids, ascorbic acid and carotenoids. In addition, Agaricus are a rich source of protein as well.
Farmers grow Agaricus species on a commercial scale for the food industry. Mushrooms are heterotrophs and require decaying organic matter for their growth and survival. Farmers cultivate mushrooms on decaying horse droppings and organic materials like straw.
Agaricus bisporus is a commercially popular species and is the most cultivated species among other members of Agaricus species.
Conclusion – Life Cycle of Agaricus
Agaricus members are the mushrooms having a fleshy cap. There are both edible and poisonous species of mushrooms falling in this genus. The life cycle of Agaricus follows a simple cyclical pattern like most other mushrooms. Understanding the life cycle of Agaricu is important for farmers who grow mushrooms on a commercial scale.
Also read:
FAQs on Life Cycle of Agaricus
What is the Life History of Agaricus?
The life cycle of Agaricus is cyclic beginning with the inoculation and germination of spores. This is followed by mycelium and primordia growth, fruiting body generation, maturation and release of spores.
What is the Structure of Agaricus?
Members of the genus Agaricus have a fleshy cap called pileus. The pileus is supported by the basal part or stipe. On the underside of the pileus are radiating plates or gills. These gills bear the spores.
How do Agaricus Reproduce?
Members of the Agaricus genus reproduce through vegetative propagation by the formation of spores. The spores fall on the substrate and germinate under favourable conditions.
What is the Order of Agaricus?
The genus Agaricus falls under the order Agaricales. Members of this order have the characteristic fleshy cap and fruiting bodies. Well-known members of this order are Agaricus bisporus and Agaricus campestris.
What are the Fruiting Bodies in Agaricus?
The completely grown Agaricus primordia appear as the fruiting bodies. In simple words, the mushrooms that we consider in general life are the fruiting bodies of Agaricus.
What is Agaricus bisporus Nutrition?
Agaricus bisporus is rich in protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, offering a nutritious addition to meals with low calories and fat.
What is the Basidiocarp of Agaricus?
The basidiocarp of Agaricus is the fruiting body of the mushroom, containing spore-producing structures called basidia, which are located on the gills underneath the cap.
What is the Vegetative Reproduction of Agaricus?
Agaricus reproduces vegetatively by expanding its network of mycelium underground, allowing it to colonize new substrates and establish new colonies.