The genetic information of Matsutake mushrooms was decoded by a group led by Kenta Shirasawa. It is said that it is an achievement that leads to artificial cultivation and species conservation.
The research group believes that if the substances necessary for growing matsutake mushroom and genes that produce unique aromas and tastes can be identified based on genetic information, it will lead to the realization of artificial cultivation, the group says. The mushrooms are designated as an endangered species by IUCN = International Union for Conservation of Nature.