Cultural requirements, enzyme activity profile, molecular identity and yield potential of some potential strains of shiitake (Lentinula edodes)

Abstract

Optimization of cultural conditions like pH and temperature was undertaken for six high temperature strains (OE-16, OE-22, OE-23, OE-28, OE-38 and OE-388) of shiitake (Lentinula edodes) on malt extract agar (MEA) medium. OE-28 strain was able to grow at all the pH ranges tested with almost equal efficiency followed by OE-388. Mycelial growth rate of OE38 and OE-23 was low as compared to OE-28 or OE- 388 at all the pH tested. Maximum mycelial growth of all the strains was recorded at 20 °C temperature. OE-16 strain was the fastest growing strain on wheat straw followed by OE -38. OE-388 recorded the maximum yield on wheat straw supplemented with 20% wheat bran followed by OE-38 and OE-16. Different lignocellulolytic enzymes like laccase, lignin peroxidase and edoglucanase were also studied. Though laccase activity was the maximum in all the test strains but it was highest in strain OE-16. Molecular characterization revealed that strain OE-22, OE-28 and OE-388 are closer to each other and fall in one group and OE-16 and OE-23 in another group. Strain OE-38 is 92% similar to both the groups and falls in third group.