Selection of intraspecific hybrid fusants of Lentinus edodes strains (LeS & LeC) and their yield potential on different substrate combinations

Strain improvement of Lentinus edodes was done using protoplast fusion technique. Five hybrid fusants viz., L4, L13, L31, L58 and L76 were selected on the basis of faster mycelial run rate (MRR) than the parent strains of L. edodes (LeS and LeC). Qualitative endoglucanase activity was highest in hybrid fusant L58 with z/c ratio of 1.27. Similar trend was also observed in qualitative estimation of endoglucanase, xylanase and laccase. All the hybrid fusants showed higher lignocellulolytic activities as compared to the parents. The mushroom minimal media (MMM) revealed higher endoglucanase and laccase activities for all cultures with sawdust supplementation at the rate of 1% while xylanase activities were increased with wheat straw (1%). Out of four substrate combinations, combination 3 (wood chips and sawdust of red marenti) proved best spawn run and yield performance. Among the hybrid fusant L31, L58 and the parent LeS (fruiting cultures), the spawn run was significantly earlier in hybrid fusants compared to the parent LeS at 5% level. The hybrid fusant L58 gave highest biological efficiency of 57.2% with control followed by L31 as compared to the parent LeS (48.2%).