Identification of bacteria in mushroom compost using ribosomal RNA sequence

Microorganisms in mushroom substrate play important roles in commercial mushroom production. We have initiated the characterization of microorganisms in Phase II compost using sequences of genes encoding small subunit ribosomal RNA (rDNA). A specific area of rDNA was amplified from individually cultured organisms as well as from total DNA extracted from the compost sample by polymerase chain reaction. Thirteen rDNA fragments sequenced in this study corresponded to 12 different strains representing three divisions of bacteria. All of these strains, except Bacillus licheniformis, have not previously been identified through rDNA sequencing, suggesting that mushroom compost contains many novel organisms.