Effect of light and aeration on fruiting of Lentinula edodes

Abstract

Adequate light and aeration are essential for the fruiting of Lentinula edodes (syn. Lentinus edodes ). The stimulatory wavelengths were dependent on the composition of the growth medium. Red wavelengths (620–680 nm) stimulated and blue wavelengths (400–500 nm) inhibited fruiting on low calcium ( 130 p.p.m.). Addition of oak bark extract to the medium permitted otherwise suboptimal light intensities to stimulate fruiting. Cultures were receptive to light stimulation during vegetative growth and showed memory of the exposure, fruiting later in the dark. Exposure, especially to blue light, elicited pigmentation of primordia. Only pigmented primordia were capable of expansion. Inadequate aeration (probably resulting in CO 2 accumulation) near the time of fruiting resulted in failure of the primordia to expand. The practical implications of these findings are discussed.