Chiang Mai Journal of Science

 In 2009-2011, five different Termitomyces sporocarps were collected from Chiang Mai, Payao and Petchaboon Provinces in Thailand and pure cultures were isolated. Fungi were identified based on morphological and molecular characteristics. One isolate was identified as T. clypeatus while the others probably represent four unknown species. Growth on different carbon, nitrogen and solid substrates was tested. Of ten culture media, malt extract agar was the best for mycelia growth for all isolates. Sucrose was the best carbon source for Termitomyces sp. CMUTM001 and CMUTM002. Fructose was the best carbon source for T. clypeatus CMUTM003 and CMUTM005, while the best growth of isolate CMUTM005 was on glucose. Peptone was the best nitrogen source for enhancing radial growth. In addition, job’s tear grain medium gave the highest mycelial growth and may be a suitable substrate for Termitomyces mycelial inocula production. This study provides valuable information concerning the cultivation of Termitomyces mushrooms.