Aqueous Extracts of Medicinal Mushrooms Ganoderma lucidum and Pleurotus eryngii (Agaricomycetes) Can Affect Seed Germination and Seedling Survival.

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Citation abstract

Rapid and complete seed germination results in the rapid initial growth of plants. In this study, aqueous extracts (boiling, maceration + filtration, and maceration + autoclave) of Ganoderma lucidum and Pleurotus eryngii were used to improve seed germination of three crops (maize, clover, and alfalfa). The results revealed that boiled water extractions of G. lucidum positively affected seed germination of clover and alfalfa. Moreover, P. eryngii boiling extract could increase the vigor index II in alfalfa. The results achieved are comparable with those gained by phytohormones and in some cases were even better. From these findings, it can be concluded that the existing metabolites in aqueous extracts of G. lucidum and P. eryngii can be used to enhance seed germination effectively and even increase the leaf area of crop plants.