Research on growing insect parasitic fungus Isaria tenuipes (Peck.) Samson

30/03/2021

The insect parasitic fungus Isaria tenuipes (Peck.) Samson, discovered on Langbian Mountain - Da Lat, with two synonyms: Paecilomyces tenuipes (Peck.) Samson and Isaria japonica Yasuda, is a species of insect parasitic fungus considered a traditional medicinal herb in some Asian countries.

The Department of Microbiological Technology, Central Highlands Scientific Research Institute collected 15 mushroom samples of the genus Isaria in Lam Vien Plateau. Morphological analysis showed that there were 11 samples of Isaria tenuipes (Peck.) Samson, 01 sample belonged to Isaria amonerosea P. Hen and 03 samples belonged to Isaria javanicus Friederich & Bally.

From 11 mushroom samples of Isaria tenuipes (Peck.) Samson, the research team randomly selected a sample of Isaria tenuipes (DL0099) for cultivation. Research results show that a temperature of 20-25°C and glucose with a concentration of 20-40 g/L are the most suitable for the growth and development of Isaria tenuipes mycelium.

The organic source of nitrogen (yeast extract, pepton) is suitable for the growth and development of the Isaria tenuipes mycelium, of which 10 g/L pepton is the most suitable. Isaria tenuipes has the best fruiting ability on a medium containing 25 g of millet + 25 g of brown rice + 60 ml of nutrient solution (30 g/L glucose, 5 g/L capsule, 5 g/L pepton, 200 g/L potatoes).

The research results will contribute to the conservation and development of this mushroom, and at the same time create a premise for researchers to explore the medicinal and bio-antagonistic applications of this mushroom.