Screening of Agaricus bisporus (Lange, Imbach) Strains and the Casing Variables for Quality Mushroom Production in Spain

Abstract

Production and quality parameters of three commercial strains of cultivated mushroom Agaricus bisporus (Lange, Imbach) were evaluated. A correlation matrix was made between the main parameters. Blancochamp BL-40, a smooth white hybrid, generally produced the greatest number of mushrooms and provided the highest yield, and its firm mushrooms showed high protein, dry matter, and soluble solid content. Pla. 8.9, a midrange hybrid type, produced mushrooms with a high protein, soluble solid, and ash content. The third strain assayed was Gurelan 45, which produced large, firm off-white mushroom crops. A correlation matrix was made between the main parameters. In regard to the other parameters considered, no strain stood out from the others. The Rioja-type casing produced the greatest number of mushrooms, although these were smaller and harvested earlier than those produced in other casing mixtures. Soil without additives produced the largest mushrooms, which also had a higher dry matter content, were firmer, and contained more soluble solids. The other casing materials, binary mixtures of soil with sphagnum or black peat, produced mushrooms of intermediate values. The correlation matrix showed that the higher the number of mushrooms, the greater the overall yield, the smaller the size, and the earlier the first flush. It was also observed that a higher content in dry matter was correlated with firmer texture, greater contents in soluble solid and protein, and lower pH and ash content.