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.

Date of Award	1981
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Aston University