Some morphological and physiological aspects and cultivation of Coprinus comatus (O. F. Mull.) Gray

Some morphological and physiological aspects and cultivation of Coprinus comatus (O.F. Mull.) 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 maltextract agar were 25oC 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 ofpararubber 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(28-30oC) 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 20oC and 65% relative humidity. Fructificationbegan after 20.6 days of watering, and the average yield obtained was 165.6 g/bag