Test tube cordyceps - Artificial cultivation a real possibilityHighlanders in Bhutan need not set out on wild cordyceps expeditions if the research on domesticating Cordyceps sinensis, locally known as Yartsa Goenbub, proves successful, say researchers.
Researchers at the renewable natural resources research centre (RNR-RC) in Bumthang are trying to see if cordyceps can be cultivated in laboratories. Principal research officer, Dorji Wangchuk, said that he was expecting a promising output as mycelium in two of the 38 test tubes on trial in the lab had already started showing positive results.
“I’m waiting for the other 36 cultures to come up,” he said. “The mycelium could be mass propagated for domesticating cordyceps using potential host insects.”
In order to observe and study the manner in which cordyceps spores spread in t6he natural environment, fresh samples were brought and studied in the mushroom laboratory at Bumthang.
Researchers said that the tip of the fruiting body, carpophores, started becoming white and gradually the green grass was covered with cottony mycelium, indicating that it hibernates through stem and roots of this particular grass species. “Subsequently, when larvae feed on the grass in early spring, the caterpillars got infected with mycelium, forming fruiting bodies of Cordyceps sinensis,” said the researcher.
Dorji Wangchuk said that, although the research is extremely challenging, cordyceps could be grown under controlled conditions. “Once the mycelia are ready, it could be used to infect potential host insects and synchronize seasonal harvesting of this mushroom.”
The fungus is parasitic to larvae of the moth lepidoptera and forms fruiting bodies after killing its host insect, which is dark brown with shiny red eyes.
In the wild, cordyceps are found in different locations of Haa, Lingshi, Laya, Lunana, Bumdeling and Bumthang. An average dried cordyceps weighs 0.19 g and 0.47 g when fresh.
According to a veteran collector in Bumthang, about 1,350 collectors were out for a month collecting cordyceps from Chhokhor geog alone during harvest season. They collect the expensive fungus from Diruphu, Ganchu, Sejeyphu, Chachen, Namtatheng, Kingkhorphu, Djegarphu, and Yangdrok. Cordyceps grow at altitudes 3,900-5,004 m above sea level at Kerab and Phugonma in Chhokhor.
Dubbed as the world’s most expensive mushroom, Cordyceps sinensis was sold for between US$ 6,126 and 10,450 a kg in 2007 from Dodena, Thimphu. After its collection was legalized in 2004, the highest production was recorded at 423.88 kg in 2006 and the lowest was 128.16 kg last year.
Source: Kuenselonline
