Waraporn Chaiyama, Wasan Petcharat, and Pallapa Kritsaneepaiboon

pp. 261 - 274

Abstract

      Some morphological and physiological aspects and cultivation of Coprinus comatus (O.F. Müll.)Gray were investigated. Malt extract agar turned out to be the best in supporting the mycelial growth of C.comatus. Mannose and maltose were the best carbon sources in supporting mycelial growth. C. comatus utilized peptone and NH₄NO₃ better than other nitrogen sources. The optimum temperature and pH on malt extract agar were 25°C and 6, respectively. Light retarded mycelial growth of C. comatus.
        For cultivation, the method of growing mushroom in autoclavable plastic bags was applied. Three different combinations of agricultural products were used for growing C. comatus. The combination of pararubber sawdust : kapok waste : boiled sorghum seeds (3:3:1 by volume) supported higher yields of basidiocarps. Time required for full colonization of the mycelia on 500 gm substrate at room temperature(28-30°C) was 20.3 days. After casing with the mixed soil (loam soil : rice husk : cow manure, 2:2:1) the cultivating bags were incubated in the growth chamber at 20°C and 65% relative humidity. Fructification began after 20.6 days of watering, and the average yield obtained was 165.6 g/bag.