Cultivation and fructification of reishi mushroom ganoderma lucidum (curt.) p. karst. on sawdust and mango leaf combination

Reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) has been reported to contain many rich bioactive compounds. Its inclusion in the manufacture of various products has enhanced its global demand and aroused interest in its cultivation and fructification in Africa, America and Europe. Various substrates containing lignin and cellulose have been utilized for its cultivation. In this investigation, attempt was made to utilize mango leaves and sawdust combination as mushroom substrate. In three replicates, the experiment was laid out in a complete randomized design (CRD). Results indicated that the highest Biological Efficiency (BE) was recorded in sawdust only while the least was observed in mango leaves only. Mycelium running (24.67 days) was shortest in mango leaf substrate only. Widest fruiting bodies width of pileus (10.37 cm) was recorded on sawdust only but the least (5.5 cm) was observed on mango leaves only. Heaviest fruiting bodies weight was recorded in sawdust only followed by substrate ratio combination of 1:3 (28.33 g and 13.33 g respectively). This investigation suggested that mango leaves, in combination with sawdust, could be utilized as mushroom substrate to enhance their utilization.