The Taxonomic Potential of Laccase and Tyrosinase Spot Tests

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Basidiocarps of 359 collections, obtained in New York [USA] and Nova Scotia [Canada] and representing 222 species of 22 families of Basidiomycetes, were assayed for laccase by the syringaldazine spot test method, and for tyrosinase by the L-tyrosine and p-cresol spot test methods. A total of 2619 tests was performed for estimating reaction variability associated with ontological and collection-site differences. In 242 ontological test series, results were significantly constant between the immature and mature specimens of the same collection. In a sample of 77 species, test results were significantly constant for multiple collections of the same species, despite differences in 60% of the sample with respect to the year of collection or the site of collection (New York or Nova Scotia). Variability associated with sporocarp maturation and collection replication was insignificant and it did not diminish the taxonomic potential of laccase and tyrosinase spot tests. Four phenoloxidase profiles are defined and it is shown how they may aid in classifying taxa. The occurrence of laccase and tyrosinase has considerable taxonomic value.