Characterization and Domestication of an Indigenous Ganoderma lucidum Species

Ganoderma lucidum is a medicinal mushroom with vast bioactive compounds. However, its cultivation has little documentation in Nigeria. In this study, the characterization and domestication of an indigenous polypore mushroom was carried out. Morphological characterization was carried out by staining with lactophenol blue and examined under a microscope. Molecular characterization was carried out by DNA extraction, purification using Zymo research kit, and amplified with (ITS) 4-F and (ITS) 5-B primers. G. lucidum was domesticated using sawdust of Gmelina arborea (GA) and Tectona grandis (TG), supplemented with wheat bran (WB) and rice bran (RB) at 10 and 20% concentrations. Proximate and mineral profiles of the fruiting bodies were analysed. Morphological and molecular characterization authenticated the mushroom as G. lucidum. Highest yield of 1 671 kg, biological efficiency (BE) of 145.8%, and lowest yield of 566 kg, BE of 21.67% were obtained from GA+ RB at 20% (GA-4) and TG only (TG-0) respectively. Fascinating nutritional and mineral contents were recorded in this study. In conclusion, the organism’s identity was authenticated and GA-4 substrate stimulated the mushroom growth with better yields. Hence, these can be recommended for commercial cultivation of G. lucidum to harness its medicinal and economic advantages.