GROWING GOURMET - Anto2ni.it

GROWTH PARAMETERS 369
Comments: A satisfying mushroom to grow and consume, Ganoderma lucidum is a mushroom
whose transformations are mesmerizing. Responsive to the slightest changes in the environment, its
unique growth habits have undoubtedly enchanted humans for centuries. The formation and development
of the fruitbody is greatly affected by the surrounding gaseous environment. Stem growth is
elongated under prolonged, elevated carbon dioxide levels (>20,000 ppm) whereas cell formation
leading to cap development and hymenial development is activated when carbon dioxide levels fall
below 2000 ppm. Ganoderma lucidum can be easily grown in a variety of ways, indoors and outdoors.
Yield may not be the only measure of this mushroom's value. Although more biomass is
generated with a strategy promoting short stalks and large caps, the antler and capitate-antler form
appeals to many as art.
As Ganoderma lucidum gains popularity with North Americans, feasibility studies on the wide
scale cultivation of Reishi on stumps are warranted. If markets could support the resulting yields, a
whole new industiy might emerge on lands currently providing little or no immediate economic return.
For more information on the taxonomy of this group see Thao (1989) and Gilbertson & Ryvarden
(1987). For general information on the historical and medicinal uses of this fungus, consult Wasson
(1972), Jong (1991), Willard (1990), Jones (1992) and Hobbs (1995). For information on the cultivation
of G. lucidum, see Stamets (1990) and Thaithatgoon et al. (1993).
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