GROWTH REQUIREMENTS OF VOLVARIELLA-SPECIOSA (FR EX FR) SING, A NIGERIAN MUSHROOM

Growth requirements of Volvariella speciosa (Fr. ex. Fr.) Sing. were s tudied. All the tested carbohydrates except cellulose significantly en hanced mycelial growth. Mannitol was the most utilized, followed in or der by fructose and maltose. All the organic and inorganic nitrogen so urces investigated significantly improved growth, with tryptophan bein g the best. C/N ratios also affected growth and a ratio of 1:4 was the most stimulatory. Calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium and zinc sign ificantly enhanced growth whereas hormones and vitamins did not. The i mplication of these results is discussed in relation to cultivation of V. speciosa in Nigeria.