Abstract
Aim of the study: To evaluate agronomical features demanded by the sun mushroom (Agaricus subrufescens) in order to optimise the commercial cultivation of this worldwide demanded medicinal mushroom.Area of study: The study was carried out in Castilla-La Mancha (Spain), the second most productive region of cultivated mushrooms in Spain.Material and methods: In this work we summarise the results obtained while evaluating the performance of sun mushroom crops (A. subrufescens). Two agronomical traits have been evaluated, the effect on the productive outputs of applying five different compost filling rates of high N substrate (yield and BE of the compost), and the influence of implementing two different conditions for the induction to fructification on the analytical properties of the harvested mushrooms. Besides, two commercial compost formulations (CM and VC) obtained from local providers have been used.Main results: The number of sporophores harvested and the yield per unit area increased with rising density of compost load, although the biological efficiency was not significantly modified. Compost fill rate of 70 kg m-2 provided an average yield of 13.33 kg m-2 and BE=55.45 kg dt-1, generally higher than those values reported in the literature. The proposed moderate slow induction provides better yields, particularly in the last flushes, and larger sporophores. Proximate analysis of harvested sporophores has not shown significant differences between treatments or factors.Research highlights: As guidance for growers, compost fill weight between 65 and 70 kg per m2 of productive area with a moderate slow induction to fructification is presented as the best option for commercial production under controlled environmental conditions.
Highlights
The production of edible and medicinal mushrooms tends to be continuously diversifying, with the steady development of new cultivated species
Material and methods: In this work we summarise the results obtained while evaluating the performance of sun mushroom crops (A. subrufescens)
Zied et al (2011) tested different strains of A. subrufescens on composts manufactured from wheat straw and chicken manure; the strain tested here ABL 99/30, showed potential for commercial production in temperate countries
Summary
The production of edible and medicinal mushrooms tends to be continuously diversifying, with the steady development of new cultivated species. Crop production has expanded into many countries, mainly due to its high international market price compared to other marketable mushrooms, and its exceptional medicinal and culinary properties. Two major advantages are at disposal to the concerned consumers demanding healthier food alternatives when mushroom are introduced in their diet, the therapeutic properties of some species and an important source of high value proteins with low calorific value (Henriques et al, 2008). Several studies reviewed by Wisitrassameewong et al (2012) highlight the importance of A. subrufescens medicinal properties. A. subrufescens poses a food of high nutritional value, rich in protein, fiber and minerals, with low lipid content (Largeteau et al, 2011)
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