Received: Jun 15, 2026 / Accepted: Sep 05, 2026 / Published: Oct 31, 2026
Owing to their large size, desirable texture, and favorable flavor, Macrocybe species are considered valuable edible mushrooms with commercial cultivation potential. However, very few studies have investigated the optimal culture conditions for this genus. This study aimed to identify a wild mushroom strain, Mac-1, based on morphological characteristics and ITS sequence analysis, and to optimize culture conditions for mycelial growth and fruiting body development. Morphological observations and phylogenetic analysis indicated that strain Mac-1 belongs to the species Macrocybe gigantea. The strain exhibited the fastest mycelial growth (4.01 mm day-1) and the highest mycelial density on PGA medium at 30°C. Glucose and yeast extract were the most suitable carbon and nitrogen sources for mycelial growth, with growth rates of 3.32 and 4.43mm day-1, respectively. For mother spawn production, rice grains supplemented with 10-40% sawdust and 1% CaCO3 supported optimal mycelial colonization. The most effective cultivation substrate consisted of cotton waste and sawdust mixed at a 1:1 ratio and supplemented with 6% wheat bran. Under these conditions, rapid substrate colonization and successful fruiting body formation of strain Mac-1 were achieved, resulting in a biological efficiency of 43.05% in the first flush and an average fresh fruiting body weight of 71.78g. Overall, our findings provide a scientific basis for the cultivation of M. gigantea strain Mac-1 and demonstrate its potential as a promising edible mushroom for commercial production.
