Veratryl alcohol stimulates fruiting body formation in the oyster mushroom, Pleurotus ostreatus

The oyster mushroom, Pleurotus ostreatus, cultivated in solid state on sugarcane bagasse-wheat bran (5:1) medium in the presence of veratryl alcohol resulted in an increased production of the fruiting body at earlier times compared to when the fungus was grown in the absence of veratryl alcohol. The results indicate a new physiological role for veratryl alcohol in stimulating fruiting body formation. Veratryl alcohol also stimulated laccase production during the mycelial growth stage. Evidence is also presented that laccases were involved in the physiological development of the fruiting body.