Effect of Different Parameters on Growth of Strains of Cordyceps militeris

Author: Meenakshi Dheer, Kuldeep Sharma, Kuldeep Tiwari and Vishvendra Singh

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Abstract

Cordyceps militaris is a type of fungus that has a wide range of biological benefits. Unfortunately, the wild species of Cordyceps militaris has become extinct due to overuse. Therefore, researchers conducted a study to determine the best in vitro culture conditions for growing fruit bodies of Cordyceps militaris. The fruiting body contains cordycepin, a compound that has several health benefits for humans. Currently, degeneration is the biggest problem of commercial scale cultivation of Cordyceps militaris. Screening the best bacteria with high productivity and medicinal value is considered a realistic way to solve the degradation problem. The study investigated the growth of Cordyceps militaris mycelium at different temperatures, pH levels and substrates. Seven strains of Cordyceps militaris were collected from Sikar, Rajasthan, out of which three strains were selected for further studies based on their sporulation. The mycelium growth of different strains was studied at different temperatures ranging from 20°C to 40°C. It was found that the mycelium growth of all three strains reached its maximum at 25°C, while the minimum growth was observed at 35°C and 40°C. The researchers also adjusted the liquid media at different pH levels ranging from 5.0 to 8.0 and found that the growth was maximum at an alkaline pH of 5.5 and 6.5 for all three strains, while the minimum growth was observed at a pH of 7.0 and 8.0. Finally, the growth of Cordyceps militaris mycelium in liquid culture media was studied with different substrates, including brown rice, corn, oats, and wheat. The study found that all three strains of Cordyceps militaris grew fastest on brown rice and slowest on wheat and oats substrate.

Keywords

Cordyceps militaris, mycelial, fruiting body, cordycepin, Sporulation

Conclusion

The growth of C. militaris was found to vary with different temperature ranges, pH levels and substrate choices. The temperature range of 20ºC to 25ºC was conducive to mycelium growth, while the optimum temperature for fruiting body production was 25ºC. A pH level of 5.5 and 6.0 was suitable for growth, but the most favourable pH level for growth was 5.5. Brown rice was found to be the most suitable substrate for the growth of Cordyceps. Out of the 7 strains investigated, C. militaris SC-1, SC-2 and SC-3 were found to be excellent cordycepin production strains that could be used for commercial production purposes.

References

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How to cite this article

Meenakshi Dheer, Kuldeep Sharma, Kuldeep Tiwari and Vishvendra Singh (2023). Effect of Different Parameters on Growth of Strains of Cordyceps militeris. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 15(10): 1542-1546.