Physiological Requirements of Edible Fungi

Physiological studies pertaining to carbon, nitrogen and trace element requirements are carried out on the two edible mushrooms: Termitomyces striatus (Beeli) Heim. and Macrolepiota procera (Scop.:Fr.) Singer. Pure cultures of Termitomyces striatus and Macrolepiota procera were obtained by single hyphal tip technique. Glucose-peptone medium consisting of g/l: D(+) glucose 10.0, sodium nitrite 2.0, potassium dihydrogen orthophosphate 1.0, magnesium sulphate 0.5 and distilled water to make 1000ml are found to be suitable for the growth and sporulation of Termitomyces striatus. The optimum concentrations of trace elements required for the growth of Termitomyces striatus are: Fe 0.1, Zn 0.001, Mn 0.01, Ca 1, Co 0.001, Cu 1, Mo 10 and B 0.1. Czapek¿s-I medium consisting of g/l: Lactose 30.0, ammonium acetate 2.0, potassium dihydrogen orthophosphate 1.0, potassium chloride 0.5, magnesium sulphate 0.5 and distilled water to make 1000ml are found to be suitable for the growth of Macrolepiota procera. The optimum concentrations of trace elements required for the growth of Macrolepiota procera are: Fe 0.01, Zn 0.1, Mn 1, Ca 1, Co 0.1, Cu 1, Mo 1, Mo 1 and B 10.