OBJECTIVETo study the cultural characteristics of Armillaria mellea (A. mellea ) on solid media.

METHODSA. mellea was cultured on semi-solid agar medium in dark conditions. Effects of different media, carbon sources, nitrogen sources, and temperature on growth and morphology of A. mellea were observed. The contents of polysaccharide, mannitol, glucose, and reducing sugars in A. mellea during different stages of development were determined.

RESULTSThe biomass and morphology of A. mellea were different in various media. Sugars were more effective carbon sources than the relevant sugar alcohols. Little molecular carbon sources such as alcohol and glycerol could be utilized by A. mellea, but starch only could be utilized slowly. Either organic or inorganic nitrogen sources could be uptaken and utilized effectively by A. mellea. No evidence was found that VitB1 affects the growth of A. mellea. The growth cycle on wort medium at 30 degrees C was shorter than that at 25 degrees C for 7 days. In logarithmic growth phase and stable phase, the polysaccharide contents of A. mellea were 9.24% and 4.70% respectively, while the mannitol contents were 10.08% and 10.58% respectively; glucose and reducing sugar contents remained low level in the whole growth stage.

CONCLUSIONSCarbon sources have a more remarked effect on the growth of A. mellea than the nitrogen sources do. Optimal temperature for the growth of A. mellea ranges 20-30 degrees C. Mannitol accumulates more than other little molecular carbohydrates in A. mellea.