In Vitro Propagation ofMorchella esculenta and Study of its Life Cycle

Among the edible mushrooms, Morchella esculenta (Pers.) is a highly prized mushroom which consists of a short stalk and a conical, pitted, hollow pileus. It is commonly known as a morel or sponge mushroom, or gucchi, etc. It belongs to the class Ascomycetes, order Pezizales and family Morchellaceae. It is found throughout the world. In Pakistan, it is found in northern areas from Murree, Patriata, and Gilgit under pine vegetation. It is therapeutic in nature; therefore its medicinal and biochemical properties are under investigation throughout the world, especially in regard to treating the hazardous diseases such as cancer, tumors, etc. The present in vitro study was conducted for the first time in Pakistan. The three media soil and soil extracts Agar and Luria Agar were used. Mycellial growth was obtained on all these media, but the LA medium showed better growth. Microscopic studies had shown pigmentation is most likely due to the secondary mycelium. Among these mycelium ascogenous hyphae are produced that may lead to the formation of ascogonium and antheridium with the dilated tips. The compact mass of prosenchymatous and pseudoparenchyma tissues was observed.