ABSTRACT
The majority of fungi grow best between 20 and 37°C. This range is called mesophilic. This temperature range overlaps the temperature range 18-22°C where the vast majority of plants and animals thrive. The vegetative mycelium of these fungi cannot survive prolonged exposure above 40°C. However, some 30 species show optimum growth between 40 and 50°C, with a few species capable of growth up to 60-62°C. These species are grouped as thermophilic fungi. Their minimum temperature of growth is around 20-25°C. The temperature range for growth of the thermophilic or the mesophilic fungi is about the same, approximately 32°C, which means that in thermophilic fungi their maximum temperature of growth is extended, while their minimum temperature of growth has also been raised.
