Choda #2 Liquid Culture

Choda #2 — PE Mutant Isolation Line in Liquid Culture

Choda is a Penis Envy mutant strain recognized for its dramatically squat, thick morphology — short, extremely wide stems paired with compact caps that give the strain its memorable name. Within the Choda lineage, multiple isolation lines have been developed, each selected for different expressions of the Choda phenotype. Choda #2 represents a specific isolation that was selected and stabilized for its particular combination of growth characteristics and morphological traits.

This liquid culture contains live Choda #2 mycelium, providing researchers with access to a defined isolation line from the PE mutant family. For studies comparing morphological variation across related isolates, having numbered Choda lines (#2, #6, #15) allows precise tracking of how different isolation selections from the same parent genetics diverge in observable characteristics.

Research Characteristics

Choda #2 mycelium inherits the PE lineage’s characteristic growth profile — moderate colonization speed with dense, determined hyphal development. Growth is predominantly rhizomorphic, with thick cord-like strands that advance steadily rather than rapidly. Colony morphology is compact and dense, reflecting the squat, solid fruiting body morphology this isolation was selected for.

The defining feature of Choda genetics under morphological study is the extreme proportional ratio of stem width to stem height. Where most cubensis strains produce stems that are significantly taller than they are wide, Choda reverses this relationship — producing fruiting bodies where the stem diameter approaches or exceeds the stem height. This proportional inversion makes Choda immediately identifiable and provides a striking visual contrast against standard cubensis morphology.

Spore production varies across Choda isolations. As a PE mutant, spore output is generally lower than mainstream cubensis strains. The #2 isolation produces moderate spore material — enough for basic morphology studies but less abundant than high-output strains like Amazonian or Golden Teacher.

Strain Background

Choda emerged from the Penis Envy mutant lineage as a spontaneous morphological variant — a PE culture that began expressing an unusually squat, thick growth form. Recognizing the research value of this distinct phenotype, mycologists isolated and stabilized the genetics through successive culture transfers, selecting for consistent expression of the characteristic proportions.

The numbering system (#2, #6, #15) represents separate isolation lines from the Choda genetics — each numbered isolate was independently selected and stabilized, potentially from different sectoring events or at different points in the culture’s development. This creates a unique research opportunity: comparing multiple defined isolates from a single parent lineage to observe how isolation and selection produce divergent phenotypic outcomes.

Storage & Handling

• Store at 2–8°C (35–46°F) in a cool, dark location
• Do not freeze — freezing destroys live mycelium
• Use within 30 days of receipt for best viability
• Shake gently before use to redistribute mycelium
• PE mutant genetics may grow more slowly — allow extra establishment time

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the “#2” mean in Choda #2?

The number designates a specific isolation line from the Choda genetics. When mycologists work with a strain, they may isolate multiple cultures from different sectors or growth points, each receiving a number. Choda #2 was the second isolation selected and stabilized. Different numbered isolates may express slightly different characteristics despite sharing the same parent genetics.

How does Choda #2 compare to other Choda isolations?

Each Choda isolation line (#2, #6, #15) was selected independently, so they may show subtle differences in growth rate, morphological proportions, and spore production. Comparing all three side by side is one of the most focused comparative research exercises available — it isolates the variable of selection from the variable of parent genetics, since all three share the same Choda lineage.

Is Choda suitable for beginner researchers?

Choda is best suited for intermediate to advanced researchers. As a PE mutant, its growth is slower and more demanding than mainstream strains, and its lower spore production makes slide preparation less straightforward. Beginners should gain experience with Golden Teacher or B+ before working with PE mutant genetics like Choda.