Investigation of the effects of laetiporus sulphureus (sulfur fungus) on the development of wheat plant

This study was conducted to investigate the potential of Laetiporus sulphureus, a mush-room species rich in organic matter, for the production of liquid compost fertilizer. The effects of a hydrolysate obtained from this fungus through chemical hydrolysis on ger-mination and seedling development in wheat were evaluated. Two wheat cultivars, Tri-ticum aestivum L. 'Bora' and 'Esperia', were used in the experiments. The mushroom-derived hydrolysate was diluted to concentrations of 1%, 0.2%, 0.1%, and 0.05%, and the seeds were germinated in these solutions. Key morphological and physiological pa-rameters were assessed, including germination percentage, germination rate, leaf length, root length, fresh and dry weights of shoots and roots, and total chlorophyll content. Two main experimental groups were established: one with Murashige and Skoog (MS) nutrient medium and one without. While the hydrolysate solutions applied at different concentrations had no significant effect on the germination process, a notable enhance-ment in seedling development was observed, particularly at the 1% concentration. At this dose, significant increases were recorded in morphological traits such as root and leaf length, as well as fresh and dry weights. The most pronounced effects were seen in the Esperia cultivar, with a 318% increase in root length and a 100% increase in root fresh weight. Additionally, chlorophyll content increased by 34% in 'Bora' and 35% in 'Esperia' at the 1% concentration. Chemical analysis of the hydrolysate revealed 13.08% dry matter, 7.55% organic matter, 5.38% ash, and 39.3 g/L protein content. These fin-dings indicate that mushroom hydrolysates, when applied at suitable concentrations, can have beneficial effects on root development and photosynthetic capacity. In conclusion, the hydrolysate derived from Laetiporus sulphureus via chemical hydrolysis demonstra-tes potential as a source for liquid compost fertilizer and exhibits positive effects on cer-tain wheat cultivars.