Optimization of the mycelial growth conditions and spawn production of Pleurotus eryngii, an edible mushroom

This study was conducted to determine the optimum mycelial growth conditions (nutrient medium, pH, temperature, carbon and nitrogen sources) and to detect the most suitable grains (barley, wheat, rye, millet, corn, rice and oat) for spawn production of Pleurotus eryngii be found in the macrofungi flora of Eastern Anatolia Region, fondly consumed collecting from nature by the public and has economic importance in the region. As a result, it was determined that Malt Extract Peptone Agar (MEPA) and Malt Yeast Peptone Agar (MYPA) media were the best for mycelial growth of P. eryngii. Sabouraud's Agar (SB) and Yeast Extract Glucose Peptone Agar (YGPA) media were not found favorable for mycelial growth of this mushroom. The optimum temperature and pH value for mycelial growth of P. eryngii were found to be 25 °C and 5.5, respectively. The lowest mycelial growth was recorded at 15 °C and pH 4 and 4.5. The use of mannitol as carbon source and calcium nitrate as nitrogen source in nutrient medium gave the best results for mycelial growth. On the other hand, an adequate and rapid mycelial growth could not be achieved when lactose, ammonium nitrate and ammonium phosphate were used as the carbon and nitrogen source. In addition to, rice, sorghum and rye were found to be the most suitable grains for spawn production of P. eryngii. The determination of optimum nutritional and environmental conditions for mycelial growth of this mushroom species will be useful for studies about its commercially cultivation in our country.