The Effect of Mutagenesis on the Production of Mycelia Growth of Auricularia Species in Nigeria

Auricularia species is a jelly-like edible mushroom belonging to the class Basidiomycete, Family Auriculariacea. It has many medicinal properties and is widely consumed in Nigeria. Not much research effort appears to have been conducted on its domestication and commercial production in Nigeria. This study evaluated the use of sawdust and rice bran as potential substrates for its cultivation. Two strains of Auricularia species were collected from the wild and identified as Auricularia polytricha and Auricularia subglabra by genetic DNA extraction. Pure cultures of the species were screened for strain improvement by mutagenesis using UV light and ethyl methyl sulfonate mutagens. Spawn of the wild species and the mutants were produced using sorghum grain. The produced spawn was used for the production of the mushroom fruit bodies using sawdust supplemented with rice bran. The biological efficiencies of both wild and mutant were 197% and 90% respectively. A combination of sawdust and rice bran supported the growth of both species of Auricularia. The Rate of spawn running during spawn production was also negatively affected by mutagenesis in mutants.