Genome‐Wide Association Study Identified an α/β Hydrolase Gene LeABH Enhancing Lentinula edodes Resistance to Trichoderma

ABSTRACT Green mould disease caused by Trichoderma spp. severely threatens Lentinula edodes cultivation, resulting in heavy yield losses. This study developed a quantifiable image‐based evaluation method using Trichoderma infection rate (TIR) to assess L. edodes resistance. By quantifying TIR in a shiitake association panel, we performed a genome‐wide association study (GWAS) and identified 239 SNPs and 245 nearby genes. Among these genes, a subset involved in cell membrane integrity maintenance, substance transport and environmental stress response may be associated with resistance to Trichoderma . Notably, three single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on chromosomes 3, 9 and 10 were stably associated with multiple TIR traits. Most importantly, an α/β hydrolase gene, LeABH , was prioritised and functionally validated. Overexpression of LeABH in L. edodes significantly enhanced resistance by 26.7%–33.4% against T. harzianum and by 21.4%–49.7% against T. atroviride , and inhibited conidiation. These results confirmed LeABH as a key causal gene underlying L. edodes resistance to Trichoderma . Taken together, our findings have provided new insights into the genetic basis of L. edodes resistance to Trichoderma . The improved resistance evaluation method, along with the identified genetic variations and candidate genes, has offered valuable resources for the molecular marker‐assisted breeding of disease‐resistant L. edodes strains.