Physiological studies on the growth and fructification of the edible basidiomycete series, Pleurotus sajor-caju (Fr.) Sing. and Stropharia rugoso-annulata Farl. ap. Murr.

Abstract

The influence of various cultural conditions on the growth of thirteen edible fungi was studied in preliminary investigations. Based on the results of these experiments, two basidiomycete species, Pleurotus sajor-caju (Fr.) Sing. and Stropharia rugoso-annulata Farl, ap, Murr. were selected for further studies on growth and fruit-body formation. The two fungi proved to be good decomposers of cereal straw, but P.sajor-caju showed ability to degrade a wider range of plant waste materials than S.rugoso-annulata. Carbon : nitrogen ratios of 90 : 1 and 60 : 1 were optimal for P.sajor-caju and S.rugosoannulata respectively. Both species were found to be heterotrophic for thiamine. Tolerance to high concentrations of carbon dioxide was exhibited by the two species during the vegetative phase, S. rugosoannulata being more sensitive to changes in oxygen and carbon dioxide concentration, In the reproductive stage however, ventilation was necessary for both species. While P.sajor-caju required light for primordium formation and fruit-body development, S.rugoso-annulata appeared to be indifferent to light. P.sajor-caju showed no need for a casing layer to fructify. In contrast, S.rugoso-annulata required casing soil for fruit-body formation. The presence of micro-organisms was shown to be necessary for fruit-body formation of S.rugoso-anmlata.