Abstract:[Objective] (1) To investigate the effect of Pb2+ and Mn2+ stress on the mycelium morphology, structure and vitality of Pholiota adiposa; (2) To compare the adaptability and resistance of P. adiposa to Pb2+ and Mn2+. [Methods] Mycelia in both plate medium and liquid medium were cultured. The morphological characteristics were studied via electron microscopy and the growth characteristics were recorded. Contents of Pb2+ and Mn2+ in mycelia were also determined by atomic absorption spectrometry. The production of exopolysaccharides by the mycelia in the liquid medium were measured with the phenol-sulfuric acid method as to validate the vitality of the mycelium. [Results] A significant reduction of clampconnection caused by Pb2+ and Mn2+ was observed, and meanwhile the clampconnection was found unevenly distributed with big differences in size under the stress. The mycelium appeared rugate and proteiform, suggesting the decrease of the mycelial vitality caused by Pb2+ and Mn2+ stresses. The colonies were larger than others when the concentration of Pb2+ or Mn2+ in the plate medium was 100 mg/L, while the growth was significantly inhibited when the concentration reached to or exceeded 500 mg/L. For the liquid culture, the fresh weight of mycelium and exopolysaccharide production reached to maximum when Pb2+ was 50 mg/L, or Mn2+ 300 mg/L. [Conclusion] High stress of Pb2+ and Mn2+ have a significant effect on the growth of the mycelium and the vitality of mycelium and morphology. The adaptability and resistance of P. adiposa to Mn2+ was higher than that to Pb2+.