First record of in vitro growth evaluation of wild mushroom, Schizophyllum commune from Pulau Kapas in Malaysia

Schizophyllum commune Fr. is an edible mushroom which is easily recognised based on its morphology and has the potential to be commercialized in Malaysia. This study was undertaken to evaluate the relationship between abiotic factors to the growth of mycelia and fruiting bodies formation of S. commune. The optimum temperature for mycelial growth was obtained at 28°C. The observed variations in colony size, mycelia density and number of fruiting body formation, shows that pH 5 was the most favourable for mycelia growth of S. commune. Interestingly, all seven culture media tested were suitable for the vegetative growth of S. commune. However, in the consideration on the mycelia spread rapidly and growth phenotype of mycelia, the most favourable culture media for S. commune was malt extract agar supplemented with yeast extract and glucose (MYGPA). Aeration was significantly affecting the mycelia growth, mycelia density and fruiting body formation of S. commune (p<0.05). It shows that unsealed culture condition produced lower mycelia growth and moderately compact of mycelia density but could produce more fruiting body formation compared to sealed culture condition. It was concluded that the mycelium growth of S. commune was affected by different temperature, culture media, pH and aeration conditions which can be used as a guideline to mushroom growers.