Effect of carbon sources on radial growth and biomass of Auricularia cornea

Abstract

The present study evaluated the effect of different carbon sources on radial growth and biomass production of Auricularia cornea under in vitro conditions. Eight carbon sources, including sucrose, glucose, fructose, maltose, mannitol, sorbitol, lactose, and a control (without supplemental carbon), were tested for their influence on mycelial development. Sucrose supported the highest radial growth (85.7 ± 0.12 mm), fresh weight (6.12 ± 0.01 g), and dry weight (1.14 ± 0.01 g), followed by maltose and glucose. Glucose, though promoting moderate radial growth, yielded higher biomass than fructose and sorbitol. Lactose and the control recorded the least growth and biomass, indicating poor carbon utilization. The superior performance of disaccharides such as sucrose and maltose aligns with previous findings on A. polytricha and A. auricula-judae, highlighting their efficacy in enhancing fungal biomass. These results underscore the critical role of carbon source optimization in maximizing mycelial yield in Auricularia cornea cultivation.