Light Regulation of Growth and Biosynthetic Activity of Ling Zhi or Reishi Medicinal Mushroom, Ganoderma lucidum (W. Curt.: Fr.) P. Karst. (Aphyllophoromycetideae), in Pure Culture

Abstract

Mycelial sensitivity of higher Basidiomycetes medicinal Ling Zhi or Reishi mushroom, Ganoderma lucidum, to the light of various spectral compositions, beam geometry, and polarization has been studied. G. lucidum cultures showed the greatest sensitivity to blue and red light. Light processing of the inoculum has lowered the quantity needed for inoculation and reduced the duration of the fermentation process. The influence of irradiation on polysaccharide synthesis, carbohydrate composition of exopolisaccharides, and mycelial microstructures of G. lucidum has been investigated. The more pronounced stimulating effect of coherent and pulsed light in comparison with noncoherent and continuous light has been observed.