Studies on phytohormones, vitamins and mineral element requirements of Lentinus subnudus (Berk) and schizophyllum commune (Fr. Ex. Fr) from Nigeria

The effects of phytohormones, vitamins and mineral elements on growth of Lentinus subnudus (Berk) and Schizophyllum commune (Fr. ex Fr), two Nigerian edible mushrooms, were studied. Among the phytohormones tested, 1.0 ppm of 2,4 D stimulated the best growth in L. subnudus, followed by 0.1 ppm of GA3. As for S. commune, 10.0 ppm of 2, 4 D enhanced the best growth while 1.0 ppm of GA3 was the second best. The least stimulatory hormone for the two mushrooms was GA3 at 20.0 ppm concentration. Among the vitamins, biotin was the most utilizable for L. subnudus, followed in order by thiamine and folic acid. Pyridoxine promoted best growth for S. commune while the poorest growth was supported by pantothenic acid. In both higher fungi, macroelements (Mg, K and Ca) promoted good mycelial growth but Na was least utilised. Similarly, trace elements (Zn, Fe and Mn) also supported growth to a significant level (P=0.01). The implication of the obtained results are discussed in relation to the cultivation of L. subnudus and S. commune in Nigeria.