Optimization of selected cultivation parameters for Cordyceps guangdongensis

To increase the fruit body production of Cordyceps guangdongensis, selected cultivation conditions, especially nutritional parameters were optimized.

Cordyceps guangdongensis was inoculated on potato dextrose agar slants with pH values from 4.5 to 9.0 and cultivated in artificial media with different carbon and nitrogen supplements. Primordium formation in C. guangdongensis was favoured by slightly acidic conditions. Fruit body yields and biological efficiency (BE) recorded were all highest in cultures of C. guangdongensis supplemented with sucrose and KNO3 as carbon and nitrogen supplements, respectively. Highest fruit body yields and BE values were recorded with C : N ratio of 12 : 1. The optimal medium consisted of (g l(-1)) 20.0 sucrose, 4.0 soya bean powder, 5.0 beef extract and 10.0 KNO3. Cultivation experiments using this medium confirmed its reliability; 18.35% of BE was obtained, compared with a calculated maximum BE of 18.65% based on orthogonal test data.

Cordyceps guangdongensis preferred sucrose and potassium nitrate as best carbon and nitrogen supplements. It produced satisfying yield of fruit body with optimized medium.

Optimized artificial cultivation conditions could promote the yield of C. guangdongensis and decreased the cost of production.