Optimization of growth media and light requirement for obtaining maximum biomass and yield of mushroom (Cordyceps militaris)

This study is based on optimisation of maximum mycelial growth of mushroom, Cordyceps militaris and developed a standard protocol for high yield production of C. militaris.For C. militaris, vegetative growth and high yield production, this study parameter offers fundamental information.C. militaries grow in high altitude in very harsh conditions in the Himalayas.A laboratory experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of different sugar concentrations on mycelial growth in liquid spawn in combination with nutrient solution and spawn quantity for high-yield generation of C. militaris.The results showed that the C. militaris mycelium covered the surface quickly in liquid media containing dextrose sugar content @ 30 g/litre and that the maximal mycelial development was observed in the substrate with 12.5 ml of added spawn, compared to other spawn concentrations.The maximum fruiting body production was observed in 35 g of brown rice + 30 ml of nutrition solution, which also contained 12.5 ml of liquid spawn containing 30 g/l of dextrose sugar.Following observation and analysis, it was concluded that a combination of 35 g of brown rice and 30 ml of nutrient solution, along with a sugar solution @ 30 g/l, produced the maximum production and the higher primordial and fruiting bodies of C. militaris.