Assessment of different media for in vitro culture of three wood-rotting fungal species: A screening of secondary metabolite occurrence

Abstract

Wood rotting fungi, also known as lignicolous fungi, play a crucial ecological role in nutrient cycling through the degradation of lignocellulosic biomass. This study focuses on the isolation and in-vitro culture optimization of three wood rotting fungi viz. Microporus xanthopus (Fr.) Kuntze, Hexagonia tenuis (Hook.) Fr., and Trametes elegans (Spreng.) Fr. were collected from the Madhe Ghat, Maharashtra, India. The objective was to establish a reliable tissue culture establishment protocol and determine the most suitable growth medium for each fungal species. The parts of fruiting body were surface-sterilized and inoculated onto Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA), Czapek Agar, and Pentachloronitrobenzene (PCNB) Agar. Growth was monitored daily for seven days. Results indicated species-specific media preferences. M. xanthopus exhibited the most luxurious growth on PCNB medium, with observable mycelial growth within 24 hours. H. tenuis also showed optimal growth on PCNB medium, albeit with a slower initial growth rate. T. elegans demonstrated the best growth on Czapek medium. The specimens were also tested for chemical compounds. The strains viz. M. xanthopus, H. tenuis and T. elegans showed that various metabolites including flavonoids and alkaloids were present. Metabolite tannins were detected in T. elegans only. Glycosides and saponins were not detected in tested specimens. These findings provide a foundational protocol for the in-vitro culture of these understudied macrofungi, facilitating future research into their enzymatic potential and value-added applications, thereby contributing to the valorization of fungal biodiversity from the Western Ghats.