Abstract
Shiitake mushroom [Lentinulus edodes(Berk) Singer/Pegler] has the third production class among the most important edible mushrooms. For a long time this mushroom has draw attention due to its unique flavor and taste and also therapeutic properties. The research conducted to optimizing the environmental conditions for shiitake production. In the first experiment the effect of four medium types in solid form, three medium pH (4.5, 5.5 and 6.5) and two temperatures regimes (25 and 27 oC) were evaluated on mycelium radial growth of the mushroom. In second experiment the effect of medium types and pH was evaluated on mycelium yield in liquid form at 25 oC. The experimental design in both media was factorial on the basis of completely randomized design with 4 replications.The obtained results of the first experiment showed that medium type, pH and temperature significantly affect mycelium growth rate at p≤0.01. Interaction between medium×pH, temperature×medium and pH×temperature also was significant at p≤0.01. The highest growth rate (8.548mm/day) was detected on 1 and 2 “hand making” media and the lowest one (6.201mm/day) was observed on 3 hand making media. The higher temperature (27 0C) cause the lower the mycelium growth rate. Increasing the medium pH from 4.5 to 6.5 also decreased mycelium growth rate and the highest growth rate was observed at pH=4.5. In second experiment (liquid medium), medium type and pH also affect mycelium yield significantly (p≤0.05). The highest mycelium yield was belong to hand making media and on the contrary with first experiment, the best mycelium yield was obtained on pH=5.5.

Key words: Shiitake, Mycelium growth rate, Mycelium filamentous growth, Mycelium yield