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Optimizing laboratory cultivation of wood-inhabiting fungi with emphasis on applied conservation

Summary

Researchers studied how to grow seven rare and endangered wood-dwelling mushrooms in the laboratory, which is important for saving these species from extinction. They tested different growing conditions including adding sawdust to growth media, adjusting temperatures, adding vermiculite to grain-based substrates, and using different types of wood. The study found that simple and inexpensive modifications like using birch wood and adding vermiculite significantly improved mushroom growth, making conservation and commercial cultivation more practical and affordable.

Background

Many fungi face extinction threats, and cultivation knowledge for rare species is limited compared to commercially valuable fungi. Laboratory cultivation methods are critical for conservation efforts including gene banks, reintroduction programs, and other applied mycology work. Seven wood-inhabiting fungi species red-listed in Finland and Sweden were selected for optimization studies.

Objective

To optimize laboratory cultivation methods for seven threatened wood-inhabiting fungal species by testing various growth conditions including wood dust supplementation, temperature ranges, grain spawn composition, gas exchange rates, and wood substrate types. The study aimed to develop practical cultivation techniques applicable to fungal conservation and biotechnology applications.

Results

Wood dust supplementation increased linear growth rate in all species with largest effects in Radulodon erikssonii and Skeletocutis stellae. Temperature effects were highly species-specific with optimal ranges varying. Four of seven species showed improved growth with vermiculite addition. Birch wood proved suitable for all species and sometimes superior to natural host wood for dowel production.

Conclusion

Optimized cultivation methods can significantly improve growth of challenging fungi with practical benefits for conservation and biotechnology. Simple supplements like vermiculite and alternative wood substrates like birch provide cost-effective solutions for large-scale spawn production while maintaining growth effectiveness.
  • Published in:Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology,
  • Study Type:Experimental Laboratory Study,
  • Source: 10.1007/s00253-025-13603-1
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