Antifungal and antibacterial activity of wild edible mushroom Pleurotus sajor-caju (Fr.) singer from north west Himalayan region

The specimens of Pleurotus sajor-caju were collected from nature during 2011-2012. Collections were made from differ¬ent parts of Distt. Shimla (H. P.). The antimicrobial activity, of Pleurotus sajor-caju, at four concentrations (20, 40, 60 and 80%) of extracts prepared in different solvents (water, methanol and ethanol) were screened against five pathogens including three fungal pathogens (P. infestans, A. alternata and F. sambucinum) and two bacterial pathogens (E. coli and S. aureus). Maximum inhibition against all the five test pathogens including fungal as well as bacterial pathogens was observed in methanol extract at a concentration level of 80%, followed by ethanol and aqueous extracts at the same concentration. On comparing antifungal and antibacterial activity, it was observed that all extracts were having more antifungal property as compared to antibacterial property. In case of P. infestans, methanol and ethanol extracts in the concentration range of 40-80% completely checked the mycelial growth i.e. 100%. Whereas, growth inhibition of remaining four pathogens i.e. A. alternata, F. sambucinum E. coli and S. aureus increased with increase in concentration level of different solvent extracts.