The Distribution, Genetic Diversity And Uses Of Ganoderma Mushrooms In Oshana And Ohangwena Regions Of Northern Namibia

ABSTRACT

Basidiomycetous fungi, including Ganoderma lucidum, have a variety of uses such as providing nutrition and as medical remedies. The mushroom G. lucidum has been used for a long time to cure liver problems, heart condition, asthma, cancer high blood pressure and arthritis. Recently, it has been associated with boosting immune systems in HIV infected persons. It is for these reasons that the mushroom has attracted a lot of attention leading to proposals of cultivating to increase supply to the Southern African market. This study was initiated with the objectives of determining the uses of Ganoderma by local communities; establish the distribution and genetic diversity of Ganoderma species. A survey was conducted in the 10% households of Ohangwena and Oshana regions of northern Namibia. All the sites where Ganoderma were encountered were geo-referenced and a sample was collected for DNA extraction. A questionnaire for face-to-face interviews was designed and applied to the two regions; data was analysed using SPSS software. G. Lucidum isolates that were found were geo-referenced to produce a distribution map. The host plants where the Ganoderma species were found were recorded. Ganoderma DNA was used for phylogenetic and genetic diversity analyses using CLUSTAL W2 program and used for phylogenetic and genetic diversity analyses using the MEGA4 programme. A total of 142 isolates of Ganoderma species comprising G. lucidum, Ganoderma tsugae, Ganoderma neojaponicum and Ganoderma applanatum were collected. The information survey revealed that Ganoderma species have a variety of traditional uses, including veterinary applications. Genetic diversity of 1% was observed among the collected Ganoderma species from the two regions and this might be explained by the diversity of the host trees recorded. Ganoderma species were found to be more distributed in Ohangwena region than in Oshana.