The influence of temperature and ph on Cordyceps Militaris mushroom mycelium growth

Abstract

Cordyceps is from the Greek kordyle meaning “club” and ceps for “head”. Sinensis means “from China”. Militaris is related to the growth pattern that looks like a regiment of toy soldiers.Cordyceps is the fruiting body of fungi parasitizing other fungi, such as the deer truffle (Elaphomyces spp.), or insects, such as caterpillars of moths, ants, and beetles. It grows inside the caterpillars and other insects to produce hyphae. When they die, the fungus produces a fruiting body that sporulates into the wind to infect another generation. For the successful cultivation of any mushroom on a small scale or commercial scale, one of the most important requirements is the mycelium of that species or variety. The spawnis a pure culture of the mycelium grown on a special medium. The growing temperature and substrate pH are specific for each species and variety.