The Institute of Microbiology (Institute of Edible Mushrooms) of Guangxi Academy of Agricultural Sciences (GXAAS) was established in 2009. It is a provincial scientific research institution focusing on basic and applied research related to edible and medicinal fungi as well as agricultural microorganisms. The institute is primarily involved in the collection, preservation, evaluation, and genetic breeding of germplasm resources for edible and medicinal mushrooms, as well as the development of high-quality, efficient cultivation techniques. Other areas of focus include analyzing the active ingredients of medicinal fungi, product development, exploring agricultural microorganism resources and their innovative uses, microbial fermentation engineering, the development of functional bacterial agents, and the experimentation, demonstration, and popularization of advanced and applicable varieties and technologies. The Institute employs 37 staff members.
The Institute has established several scientific research platforms, such as:
- Guangxi Agricultural Microorganisms Observatory and Experiment Station
- Guangxi Edible Fungus Breeding Center
- Subtropical Arbuscular Mycorrhizal (AM) Fungus Resource Depository
- Mycological Herbarium of Guangxi Academy of Agricultural Sciences
- Food and Medicine Fungus Species Depository Center of Guangxi Academy of Agricultural Sciences
Currently, the institute preserves over 1,500 large fungi specimens and more than 500 strains of edible and medicinal fungi. It also holds more than 2,000 functional microbial resources, including fertilizers and biocontrol agents. Notably, it preserves more than 600 copies of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AM fungi), making it the leader in this field in China.
More information (in Chinese): http://www.gxaas.net/front/135.
