The
ARP really only wants wild Agaricus bisporus and samples that might be
this species, or which are very similar. We don't need A. campestris and A.
bitorquis. If you can't tell the difference between these different species,
try to obtain some more-expert help before gathering any quantity of samples (it's no
problem if you send us a couple of samples that you are semi-sure about). We don't
want any other fungi. We don't provide a free identification service. And... we
don't want cultivated strains. But, what we do want, we want very much.
Having said that, here is the ARP bounty offer
on wild Agaricus bisporus samples, current as of May, 1998, and intended to be
honored for the foreseeable future.
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WANTED (ALIVE, PLEASE): AGARICUS BISPORUS
As part of a program to recover, characterize, and preserve wild germ plasm of the
cultivated "button mushroom" species Agaricus bisporus (sometimes called A.
brunnescens), a bounty of up to $100.00 (US) is offered for each living sample of a
unique wild collection which is forwarded to the address below. The reward
program has long-term funding commitments from several international mushroom
breeders and spawn producers. The germ plasm recovered by this effort is being
used in evolutionary studies on the origin and diversity of A. bisporus, and will be
conserved for future controlled breeding programs leading to improved cultivars.
Each A. bisporus bounty will be proportional to the genetic uniqueness of the
isolate, scored for several genetic markers (allozymes and RFLPs). Certain related
species are also sought. Full collection data are expected. The bounty scale is:
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| A new combination of known alleles across
multiple loci |
$25 |
| A new combination of alleles at one or
more loci |
$50 |
| A new allele at one or more loci |
$100 |
| A previously-recovered genotype
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$0 |
Closely related species such as A. subfloccosus or A. subperonatus
(not A. campestris or A. bitorquis)
(depending on novelty and origin)
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$0-100 |
Note: payouts are normally by cheque drawn on a US bank in US$. If this is
a problem, alternative arrangements (e.g. IPMO) can sometimes be made.
For instructions on preparing and sending samples, see Information
for collectors
Costs of sending samples will be reimbursed
promptly. Typical reimbursements:
Spore prints:
$5 for first, + $1 ea. for others in parcel
Slants or plates:
$10 for
first, + $5 ea. for others in parcel
Fresh specimens:
$15-20 (cost of courier service)
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| Bounties will
be distributed annually, following genetic characterization of
isolates. Note:
A new policy will be implemented in 1998. Because the genetic analysis needed for
determination of bounties is complex, and with schedule constraints may take years
to develop, the ARP will pay a 'good faith' bounty of $25.00 within a year of receipt of
sample if we can be reasonably sure that the sample is actually a
wild-collected A. bisporus. If the analysis later shows that a larger
bounty is in order, the difference will then be paid.
This offer is subject to change without notice;
request a current version.
I encourage anyone who finds A. bisporus growing
away from sites of commercial cultivation to participate in this effort. Thank you.
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