Abstract
Mycelial growth of Lentinula edodes (shiitake, pyogo) was examined in a sawdust-based substrate under four moisture contents: 43, 55, 64 and 69% with various strain types. The moisture content significantly affected mycelial growth and primordial formation but the water effects differed depending upon the fungal strains. Moisture content at 43% significantly reduced mycelial growth, but Sanrim No. 6 strain was less affected by the moisture content than others were. The mycelial growth of Sanrim No. 4 decreased at both 43 and 69% moisture contents. Moisture content at 64% was the best for mycelial growth and substrate decomposition. The trend of dry weight loss due to the decomposition was similar to that of mycelium growth. However, primordial formation was neither related to the mycelial growth nor to the decomposition. The moisture content of 69% dramatically increased the primordial formation, but the effect differs among the strains. Ergosterol content of the sawdust-based culture was higher at 55 and 64% than at 43 and 69% moisture content levels. The primordial formation was not related to the ergosterol content. This study clearly showed that the moisture content differently affected mycelial growth and primordial formation depending on L. edodes strains.
