Optimization of Culture Conditions for Mycelial Growth and Basidiocarp Production of Cyclocybe cylindracea (Maire)

Agrocybe cylindracea is an exotic and unknown species of mushroom among Filipinos. In our intention to develop production technology for this mushroom, the influences of culture media, pH and physical factors such as aeration, illumination and temperature for optimum mycelial growth and fruiting body production were investigated in the present work. Among media evaluated, potato sucrose gulaman, rice bran decoction gulaman and malt extract agar recorded the highest mycelial growth rate (9.00 mm/day), shortest incubation period (10.00 days) with very thick mycelial density. Potato sucrose gulaman (most common culture medium) at pH 6 incubated in either sealed or unsealed, lighted or dark, and in room temperature (28-33°C) or air-conditioned temperature (23-25 oC) registered the highest mean mycelial growth rate. Corn grit was the best grain spawning material. The substrate formulation of 7:3 rice straw- sawdust ratio recorded the shortest incubation period and primordial initiation, and the highest total yield of 106.94 g. Therefore, A. cylindracea is an addition to the list of exotic edible mushrooms with great potential for cultivation in the Philippines.