Cultural studies on chinese mushroom (Volvariella volvaceae)

The effect of different culture media, pH levels, temperature, and carbon and nitrogen sources on the mycelial growth of Volvariella volvaceae, a Chinese edible mushroom, was evaluated in vitro. The fungus grew better on malt extract agar followed by Sabaroud’s agar medium, while showed poor growth on corn meal agar. The mycelia growth was maximum at pH 7.0- 8.0 and 35 °C. Among the five tested carbon sources, glucose significantly stimulated the growth of the fungus followed by starch and maltose. Of the four nitrogen sources, peptone was better and urea was found to be the least effective.