Ganoderma lucidum, commonly known as reishi, is one of the most economically important speciality mushrooms in the world. Researcher Marta Cortina-Escribano of the Natural Resources Institute of Finland (Luke) was the first to study Finnish strains of Ganoderma lucidum in her doctoral thesis. Her groundbreaking work has won her two doctoral prizes.
Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke) press release 15.4.2025
Cortina-Escribano studied the genetic diversity of reishi strains found in Finnish forests, optimal cultivation conditions and the mushrooms' content of the bioactive compound β-glucan. The study showed that wood residues generated as by-products of the forest industry - such as aspen and birch chips - can be used as substrates for reishi mushroom cultivation.
The research also found that Ganoderma lucidum reduced the lignin content in pine wood, indicating its potential as a biological pre-treatment method in the pulp and paper industry.
Cortina-Escribano's thesis (Selective breeding and taxonomy of laccate Ganoderma species originating from Finland) was awarded by both the Finnish Natural Resources Research Foundation and the Finnish Society of Forest Science. The award statements emphasised the significant novelty value of the work. The thesis combines scientific excellence, patent-generating innovation, practical applicability and commercial potential. It contributes to the sustainable use of Finnish wood materials in accordance with the principles of the bio- and circular economy.
"I am very grateful to the Finnish Society of Forest Science and the Finnish Natural Resources Research Foundation for these dissertation awards. It is an honour to receive such meaningful recognition for my work," says researcher Marta Cortina-Escribano.
Cortina-Escribano is currently conducting biomaterials research at Luke's Joensuu unit and continues her collaboration with the University of Eastern Finland and Japanese research partners.
More information:
- Suomen Luonnonvarain Tutkimussäätiö: Vuoden 2024 väitöskirjapalkinto myönnettiin tohtori Marta Cortina-Escribanolle (in Finnish)
- Finnish Society of Forest Science awarded dissertation prize for mushroom cultivation
For further information, please contact:
Research Scientist Marta Cortina Escribano, tel. +358 295 322 334, marta.cortina.escribano@luke.fi
