Cultivation technology of medicinal mushroom (Reishi)

 Success has been achieved by the NRCM in organic cultivation of the red Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum).  This is the most important medicinal mushroom for which there is a billion dollar market.  This is the first report from India.  Yield comparable to the international level has been obtained.  The technology can change the scenario of market of alternative medicines in the domestic market and also the export basket of mushroom from the country.  Ganoderma lucidum is a tropical mushroom and grows around 30oC.  However, cultivation of the mushroom is more suitable for the foothill regions which are poor and undeveloped.  But a word of caution that this mushroom which is to be used as medicine has to be grown organically i.e. without use of harmful chemicals like insecticides and pesticides.

Caution : Ganoderma lucidum is a potent parasite of oil palm, coconut and other trees. Hence spent substrate may be discarded only after its heat killing