Identification and cultivation of a wild mushroom from banana pseudo-stem sheath

A wild mushroom found on banana pseudo-stem sheath was isolated, and was identified as Volvariella volvacea based on both morphological and molecular characteristics. The mycelia of wild strain grew on banana leaves better than on other raw materials. Furthermore the wild strain could produce fruit bodies on banana leaves with a biological efficiency of 26.4%, on rice straw with 23.76% and on pseudo-stem sheath with 17.11% by a method that involves using non-pasteurized materials. This result indicates that it is very important for the utilization of banana wastes to produce mushroom by cultivating the wild strain.

► A wild fruit body of Volvariella volvacea was first found on banana pseudo-stem sheath.
► The wild strain produced new fruit bodies on banana wastes by cultivation.
► The wild strain got a higher biological efficiency on banana leaves comparing with other materials.
► The wild strain will contribute to the sustainable development of mushroom production in banana-planting areas.