Physiological studies on Schisophyllum commune (Fr. Ex. Fr.) A Nigerian edible mushroom

Abstract

Studies were conducted to evaluate carbon and nitrogen sources required for the vegetative growth of Schizophyllum commune, a Nigerian edible mushroom. This fungus grew within a temperature range of 10 and 40°C (Optimum = 25°C) and pH range of4.0 and 8.5 (Optimum = 6.5). S. commune utilised a wide range of carbon and nitrogen compounds for its growth. The most stimulatory carbohydrate source was galactose, followed by mannitol and glucose while the least growth was supported by dextrin. All the organic and inorganic nitrogen compounds investigated significantly improved growth with casein hydrolysate being the best and sodium nitrate being the least. Likewise, carbon/nitrogen ratios affected the growth of this fungus and ratio 5:2 was the most stimulatory, while ratio 1:5 was inhibitory to growth. The significance of these findings was discussed.
Key words: Schizophyllum commune, carbon and nitrogen sources, stimulatory.