Table of Contents
CHAPTER ONE
- 1.0 Introduction p. 1
- 1.1 Background to the Study p. 1
- 1.2 Statement of the Research Problem p. 2
- 1.3 Justification for the Study p. 3
- 1.4 Aim of the Study p. 5
- 1.5 Objectives of the Study p. 5
CHAPTER TWO
- 2.0 Literature Review p. 6
- 2.1 Ecological Role of Mushrooms in Forest and Urban Settings p. 7
- 2.2 Types of Mushrooms Found on Tree Trunks p. 8
- 2.3 Conditions Favoring Mushroom Growth on Tree Trunks p. 8
CHAPTER THREE
- 3.0 Materials And Methods p. 6
- 3.1 Study Area p. 7
- 3.2 Sampling p. 11
- 3.3 Sterilization of Materials p. 12
- 3.4 Materials and Reagents Used p. 13
- 3.5 Microscopic Examination and Staining Techniques p. 14
- 3.6 Preparation and Sterilization of Culture Media p. 16
- 3.7 Isolation and Culturing of Mushrooms p. 16
- 3.8 Subculturing and Pure Culture Development p. 17
- 3.9 Preservation of Fungal Isolates p. 17
- 3.10 Photographic Documentation and Morphological Recording p. 19
- 3.11 Data Analysis p. 20
Abstract
Mushrooms are vital macro-fungi with ecological, nutritional, and medicinal importance, often colonizing diverse substrates such as soil, wood, and decaying plant material. This study aimed to identify and isolate mushrooms growing on tree trunks within the University of Abuja environment. Mushroom samples were collected from tree trunks across the campus, documented macroscopically, and analyzed microscopically and culturally using Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA). Standard isolation and subculturing techniques were employed to obtain pure cultures, while morphological and microscopic characteristics were used for taxonomic classification. Results revealed six major mushroom genera, with Pleurotus sp. and Ganoderma spp. occurring most frequently (26.7% each), followed by Lentinus, Coprinus, Schizophyllum, and Trametes. The findings highlight the rich diversity of wood-inhabiting fungi on campus and the influence of tree species and substrate conditions on mushroom distribution. In conclusion, these mushrooms play a crucial role in ecological balance and have potential applications in food, medicine, and biotechnology. It is recommended that molecular tools be used for further identification, conservation strategies be adopted to preserve fungal biodiversity and future studies explore other ecological niches to broaden knowledge on mushroom diversity and utilization.