Standardization of cultural conditions in vitro for the maintenance of L. Edodes Strains

Abstract

Shiitake is the third most important edible mushroom and its cultivation needs to been couraged. Presently we are lagging behind in the availability of information database regarding standardized conditions for Shiitake cultivation. So, this study was conducted to standardize the cultural conditions like medium, temperature and pH for six high temperature strains - OE-16, OE-22, OE-28, OE-38, OE-388 and Le (L) and one low temperature strain – Le (O) of Lentinula edodes. PDA was found to be the best medium for the vegetative growth of L. edodes strains. On PDA, maximum diametric growth was recorded in OE-388, Le (O) and OE-16 in comparison to least growth in OE-38. However, OE-22 and OE-28 were found intermediate in terms of their diametric growth measured. Maximum mushroom mycelium growth was achieved at 25 ± 1°C and pH 4 was the best, which produced highest dry biomass of all the strains. This study revealed the optimum conditions for the maintenance of L. edodes culture in vitro