INVESTIGATIONS ON IN-VITRO FRUITING OF AN EDIBLE FACULTATIVE ECTOMYCORRHIZAL SPECIES OF LACTARIUS

摘要

Survey of different forest ranges in Mandla district of Madhya Pradesh resulted in collection of an important edible facultative ectomycorrhizal mushroom which was identified as Lactarius species. Looking to its extensive edibility among local inhabitants of the region, an attempt for development of its fructification on six different organic substrates under controlled experimental conditions was made. Consequently, the sorghum+wheat bran was screened out as the best substrate which supported maximum mycilial colonization and initiated the fruiting. Among physical factors, the temperature of 28±1° C and 12 hours of intermittent conditions of light and darkness was were found optimum for mycelial colonization and therefore, initiation of fructification.