Comparison of Lentinula edodes (shiitake) Strains in Northern Thailand

Abstract

The mycelial growth of 10 shiitake strains growing on pararubber sawdust media, was studied in different seasons at Chiang Rai Horticultural Research Centre during 2006-2007. Mycelial growth study was designed as with 20 replications. Yield comparison was designed as RCB with 6 replications (10 blocks in each replication). The mycelial length was measured after 30 days of incubation, and was found that the mycelial length of all strains incubated during rainy season was greater than in summer and winter. There was a different in yield per bag of each strain growing from different seasons. Better yield was obtained from most of strain in rainy season than in winter. However, the fruiting bodies’ size and weight of those obtained from winter were greater than rainy season. Commercial strain from Chiang Mai No 2 was the best strain and gave the highest yield in both rainy and winter seasons. Strain from Sakon Nakhon No 1 was the second rank in both seasons. Moreover, both strains gave higher yield than strain No 1-5 wich were currently used as the recommended shiitake strains of the Department of Agriculture.