Studies on Psathyerella atroumbonata (Pegler), a Nigerian edible fungus

The effects of temperature, pH, vitamins and phytohormones on growth of Psathyerella atroumbonata (Pegler), a Nigerian edible mushroom were investigated. This fungus was able to grow at a temperature range of 15–45 °C (optimum=30 °C) and pH range of 5.0– 8.0 (optimum=6.5). Exogenous supply of vitamins significantly enhanced the growth of the fungus (P=0.01). Similarly, biotin was found to be the most stimulatory vitamin while nicotinic acid was the least utilised. The best phytohormone that sustained good growth was 1.0 ppm NAA while 20.0 ppm 2,4-D inhibited growth of this mushroom. The relevance of these findings in relation to cultivation of P. atroumbonata in Nigeria is considered.