Strategies in Artificial Cultivation of Two Entomopathogenic Fungi Cordyceps militaris and Ophiocordyceps sinensis

Mushrooms are considered a source of various bioactive compounds important to mankind. Entomopathogenic species belonging to Cordyceps and Ophiocordyceps are not only ecologically important but are also prized indispensable constituents of coveted traditional Chinese medicines. The principal difference between Ophiocordyceps and Cordyceps being the former produces whole ascospores, while Cordyceps produces disarticulated part spores (ascospores) and immersed/superficial perithecia perpendicular to stromal surface at maturity. The notable species among the two genera are Cordyceps militaris and Ophiocordyceps sinensis , both of which are harvested from nature, however, overharvesting of specimens, especially whose ascospores has not been released into natural habitat, as well as global warming and spatial shift in its distribution, are threating their natural population. Present investigation compiles various methods of artificial cultivation of C. militaris and O. sinensis , focusing on various cultural-environmental factors, fungal biomass production, bioactive metabolite production as well as their productivity constraints. On account of artificial production feasibility, C. 316 militaris readily produces fruitbodies on culture medium without dependency on host, whereas, the production of iconic O. sinensis -larvae complex has higher technical requirements, long production cycles and increased risk of contamination. During artificial cultivation, variation of productivity with varying strain and variations in media along with degeneration of mycelia due to sub-culturing also needs to be addressed. Further, to minimize pressure on natural sources, mycelia, mycelial extracts and fermented cultural extracts of these species need to be popularized.