Screening of selenium absorption ability of mycelia of selected Pleurotus species

Abstract

Pleurotus species are economically high praised due to their edible and medicinal properties. Selenium is a trace element with antioxidant and anticarcinogenic effects. The aim of our research was to investigate the influence of different Se sources and concentrations added to the medium on the ability of mycelium to absorb and retain this trace element. Na2SeO3 and SeO2 were good Se sources, while Na2SeO4 was the less optimum source, for almost all investigated Pleurotus species and strains. According to selenium absorption and retention ability, the most efficient strains were: P ostreatus HAI 387 in Na2SeO3-enriched medium and P eryngii var. eryngii HAI 711 and P ostreatus HAI 234 in Na2SeO4-enriched medium.