Solan: Scientists of the Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, have achieved a rare feat by developing high- yielding hybrids of white button mushroom through crossing. The newly developed hybrid-4 is a cross between U3 and A-15 and it has recorded an outstanding average yield of 26.10 kg per 100 kg compost against 22.50 kg recorded in U3 and 14.02 kg in A-15 parents during the cropping period of 60 days on short method of compost. A significant breakthrough has been achieved in strain development programme of Agaricus bisporus (white button mushroom) by developing four hybrids through crossing, namely hybrid-7, hybrid-4, hybrid-2 and hybrid-1. Hybrid-4 is a cross between U3 and A-15. Hybrid-4 has not only recorded 18-22 per cent higher yield over parents but also exceeded in yield as compared to the other high-yielding strains of agaricus bisporus, including U3, vis-à-vis yield performance. Other important morphological characteristics of hybrid-4 which have made this hybrid significant includes its firm and compact fruit body, round shape, white colour, better shelf life and its ability not to open as fast as has been observed in the parent strains. Manju Sharma, a Ph D student of the Department of Mycology and Plant Pathology, UHF, Nauni, has been credited or carrying out this successful hybridisation under the guidance of Dr BC Suman. Dr KR Dhiman, Vice-Chancellor of the university, while complimenting scientist Manju Sharma and her guide Dr BC Suman, said it would prove to be a boon for the economy of the mushroom growers in Himachal Pradesh. Dr RC Sharma, Dean, COH, also visited the trial and congratulated the scientists for their achievements.