Mushroom Production Research Articles

Empowering Rural Women through Nutrition Education: Enhancing Dietary Quality with Mushroom-enriched Foods and Participation in Local Mushroom Production Systems

Ensuring quality nutrition for rural women remains a critical public health challenge, particularly in regions where dietary diversity is limited, and micronutrient deficiencies are prevalent. One potential solution is the incorporation of mushroom-enriched food into the daily diets of these women, combined with effective nutrition education and active participation in the mushroom production system. Mushrooms are a nutrient-dense food source, rich in essential vitamins such as vitamin D, and B vitamins, and minerals like zinc, selenium, and iron, which are often deficient in rural diets. Additionally, mushrooms provide a valuable source of protein and fiber, making them an ideal complement to traditional staples. Nutrition education programs focusing on the health benefits of mushrooms can help shift dietary patterns and empower rural women to make healthier food choices for themselves and their families. The integration of mushroom cultivation into local agricultural practices not only enhances food security but also provides an additional income source for women, supporting their economic empowerment. Moreover, the cultivation process is relatively low-cost and can be sustainably managed within small-scale farming systems, making it an accessible and feasible solution for rural communities. Training women to grow, harvest, and prepare mushroom-enriched foods can address both the supply and demand side of the nutrition equation, ensuring that nutrient-rich foods are both available and consumed regularly. The dual focus on nutrition education and production system participation also fosters a sense of ownership and self-reliance among rural women, leading to more sustainable long-term improvements in dietary quality. This approach has the potential to reduce gender disparities in agricultural participation by providing women with a specific and profitable area of expertise within their communities.

Exploring the Relationship Between Time Series of Sentinel-1 Interferometric Coherence Data and Wild Edible Mushroom Yields in Mediterranean Forests

Edible wild mushrooms constitute a valuable marketable non-wood forest product with high relevance worldwide. There is growing interest in developing tools for estimation of mushroom yields and to evaluate the effects that global change may have on them. Remote sensing is a powerful technology for characterization of forest structure and condition, both essential factors in triggering mushroom production, together with meteo-climatic factors. In this work, we explore options to apply synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data from C-band Sentinel-1 to characterize, at the plot level, wild mushroom productive forests in the Mediterranean region, which provide saprotroph and ectomycorrhizal mushrooms. Seventeen permanent plots with mushroom yield data collected weekly during the productive season are characterized with dense time series of Sentinel-1 backscatter intensity (VV and VH polarizations) and 6-day interval interferometric VV coherence during the 2018–2021 period. Weekly-regularized series of SAR data are decomposed with a LOESS approach into trend, seasonality, and remainder. Trends are explored with the Theil-Sen test, and periodicity is characterized by the Discrete Fast Fourier transform. Seasonal patterns of SAR time-series are described and related to mycorrhizal and saprotroph guilds separately. Our results indicate that time series of interferometric coherence show cyclic patterns which might be related with annual mushroom yields and may constitute an indicator of triggering factors in mushroom production, whereas backscatter intensity is strongly correlated with precipitation, making noisy signals without a clear interpretable pattern. Exploring the potential of remotely sensed data for prediction and quantification of mushroom yields contributes to improve our understanding of fungal biological cycles and opens new ways to develop tools that improve its sustainable, efficient, and effective management.

High-Yield-Related Genes Participate in Mushroom Production

In recent years, the increasing global demand for mushrooms has made the enhancement of mushroom yield a focal point of research. Currently, the primary methods for developing high-yield mushroom varieties include mutation- and hybridization-based breeding. However, due to the long breeding cycles and low predictability associated with these approaches, they no longer meet the demands for high-yield and high-quality varieties in the expansive mushroom market. Modern molecular biology technologies such as RNA interference (RNAi) and gene editing, including via CRISPR-Cas9, can be used to precisely modify target genes, providing a new solution for mushroom breeding. The high-yield genes of mushrooms can be divided into four categories based on existing research results: the genes controlling mycelial growth are very suitable for genetic modification; the genes controlling primordium formation are directly or indirectly regulated by the genes controlling mycelial growth; the genes controlling button germination are more difficult to modify; and the genes controlling fruiting body development can be regulated during the mycelial stage. This article reviews the current research status for the four major categories of high-yield-related genes across the different stages of mushroom growth stages, providing a foundation and scientific basis for using molecular biology to improve mushroom yield and promote the economic development of the global edible-mushroom industry.

Evaluation of the textile dye removal process using the residual substrate from Pleurotus ostreatus mushroom production

O lançamento de efluentes têxteis sem tratamento, ou submetidos a um tratamento ineficaz, ocasiona graves problemas nos ecossistemas aquáticos. Neste contexto, o objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a capacidade e o processo de remoção do corante têxtil Drimaren Red CL-7B, empregando o substrato residual da produção do cogumelo Pleurotus ostreatus. Para tanto, primeiramente elaborado um planejamento experimental 3², considerando as variáveis pH e concentração de substrato, buscando-se avaliar a remoção de corante proveniente de efluente têxtil sintético, durante seis horas de tempo de contato. As concentrações do substrato aplicado ao efluente foram 50, 100 e 150 g L-1 e os valores de pH empregados foram 5, 7 e 9. Após a determinação da melhor condição experimental dentre as avaliadas, também foram estudados os possíveis mecanismos de remoção ocorridos e a atividade enzimática do micélio presente no substrato. Verificou-se que a melhor condição operacional foi obtida com pH 5 e concentração de 150 g L-1. Sob essas condições, a eficiência de remoção de corante alcançada foi próxima de 70%. Observou-se que o principal mecanismo de remoção foi a adsorção e um tempo de contato de 30 minutos já permite obter resultados satisfatórios. Além disso, os resultados da atividade da lacase demonstraram que sua eficiência é elevada em condições de pH ácido, e que esta fica inativa em condições de pH alcalino. Concluiu-se que o substrato residual apresenta elevado potencial para o tratamento de efluentes têxteis em decorrência da ação simultânea das enzimas lignolíticas e da adsorção na remoção de corantes, bem como, pela possibilidade de valorização de um resíduo agroindustrial.

Design and Technical-Economic-Environmental Evaluation of a Biorefinery Using Non-Marketable Edible Mushroom Waste

Edible mushrooms are gaining popularity as functional foods, not only for their distinctive taste and subtle flavor but also for their potential health benefits. They are rich in essential nutrients, including carbohydrates, proteins, fiber, minerals, and vitamins. However, it is estimated that up to 30% of total mushroom production generates non-marketable waste, which is currently used as animal feed, fertilizer, or compost. From a circular economy perspective, the objective of this work is to propose a conceptual design for a biorefinery to produce high-value-added products from non-marketable edible mushroom waste and to conduct a comprehensive assessment using modeling and simulation tools for process engineering. The general approach first involves identifying high-potential products, then determining the best processing routes, followed by developing a process flowsheet diagram for a case study (A. bisporus), and ultimately conducting a comprehensive assessment of the biorefinery to evaluate its sustainability. As a result, the proposed biorefinery may produce chitin, citric acid, and fertilizer, demonstrating the technical feasibility of waste valorization in terms of product yields, with positive profitability in terms of the rate of return on investment and payback period, and low environmental impact in terms of water and energy consumption as well as CO2 emissions.

Exploring local lignocellulosic substrates for the production of edible mushrooms in Northwestern Argentina

La Rioja province annually produces approximately 75,000 tons of agricultural residues and derived materials from agro-industrial activities, which could potentially be incorporated into oyster mushroom cultivation. This study aimed to evaluate the viability of this lignocellulosic biomass as a substrate for the cultivation of edible mushrooms belonging to the genus Pleurotus. Initially, the mycelial growth of two species (P. ostreatus and P. djamor) was assessed by formulating combinations of local substrates. Experimental crops were grown employing the most promising substrates, which were subsequently selected for chemical characterization. It was found that both strains exhibited maximum mycelial growth in the substrate formulated with jojoba leaf litter. A comparison of the two strains revealed no direct correlation between mycelium growth and productive performance. The highest biological efficiency (BE) values were obtained when P. ostreatus was cultivated in treatments combining jojoba leaf litter and grape pomace with olive pomace. Furthermore, these treatments showed suitable chemical properties and were formulated from problematic waste generated in large quantities in the region without proper processing and disposal methods. In this context, there is potential to ensure a continuous supply of this lignocellulosic biomass for cultivating these mushroom species over an extended period of time, thus providing a sustainable alternative for these regional by-products.

Diseminasi dan Akselerasi Percepatan Produksi Jamur Tiram Melalui Studi Kasus Mesin Press Baglog Otomatis di UD Zaida Jamur Tiram

The program for implementing this activity aims to accelerate the production of oyster mushrooms at UD Zaida Oyster Mushrooms through dissemination and implementation of an automatic baglog press machine. This activity was carried out in collaboration between a team from the university and UD Zaida, integrating modern technology into traditional production processes. Through a series of training and workshops, implementation partners can operate machines effectively and understand optimal production management. The results of this activity show a significant increase in production capacity, where UD Zaida was able to increase oyster mushroom production output and reduce production waste. This program has also succeeded in increasing the skills and knowledge of workers, while providing a positive impact on the local economy through increasing income and employment opportunities. The dissemination of automatic baglog press machines has proven to be a sustainable solution that drives efficiency and productivity in the mushroom farming sector. This implementation activity recommends expanding the use of this technology to other regions as an effort to support the growth of the oyster mushroom industry at the national level.

Sustainable production of Pleurotus sajor-caju mushrooms and biocomposites using brewer’s spent and agro-industrial residues

Brazil is one of the world’s largest beer producers and also a major food producer. These activities generate a large amount of residues which, if disposed of inappropriately, can have adverse effects on the environment. The objective of this research was to evaluate the potential of using these residues for both mushroom cultivation (traditional use) and the production of mycelium-based composites (innovative use). Mushroom production (Pleurotus sajor-caju) was conducted using only brewer’s spent grains (fresh and dried) and also mixed with banana leaves (1:1) or peach palm leaves (1:1), which are residues widely available in the northern region of Santa Catarina, Brazil. The productivity of mushrooms cultivated using fresh and dried brewer’s spent grains did not exhibit a statistically significant difference, indicating that this residue can be utilized shortly after its generation in the industrial process, thereby reducing costs associated with production. Combining brewer’s spent grains with banana or peach palm leaves resulted in enhanced mushroom production (0.41 and 0.38 g day−1, respectively) compared to using the leaves as a sole substrate. The mushrooms produced contain sugars and a minimal sodium content, and are considered a source of phosphorus. In addition, no toxic elements (Hg and Pb) were present. The mycelium-based composites produced using the residual substrate (after the mushroom harvest) exhibited better mechanical properties (compressive strength = 0.04 MPa, density = 242 kg m−3, and low humidity sorption) than those produced using fresh substrate. The results demonstrate the synergistic effect of combining the two approaches under investigation. The use of brewer´s spent enhance the mushroom productivity and the residual substrate enhance the mechanical properties of mycelium-based composites. The compressive strength, density, and air humidity sorption properties are essential for determining the potential applications of mycelium-based composites. The use of brewer’s spent grains mixed with banana leaves demonstrated significant promise for mushroom production and subsequent application in the development of mycelium-based composites. These sequential approaches contribute to waste valorization and the rational utilization of natural resources, as the mycelium-based composites are considered for substitution of synthetic materials, thereby promoting sustainability for future generations.

Post-harvest management in mushroom production: An effective approach towards sustainability, food security and storage

Post-harvest management in mushroom production: An effective approach towards sustainability, food security and storage

Mushroom production on digestate: mineral composition of cultivation compost, mushrooms, spent mushroom compost and spent casing.

Mushroom production on digestate: mineral composition of cultivation compost, mushrooms, spent mushroom compost and spent casing.

Manipulating button mushroom casing affects the disease dynamics of blotch and green mold disease

Productive cultivation of the button mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) relies on the use of selective substrates and effective disease management. In extending our previous work on manipulating the developmental microbiome (devome), this study employs the strategy of substrate passaging to explore its effects on crop outcomes and disease dynamics. Here we subjected the casing substrate to ten cycles of passaging. This manipulated substrate stimulated early pinning (primordia formation) by at least three days. Passaged casing also altered disease dynamics when challenged with two commercially important A. bisporus pathogens, Pseudomonas tolaasii (causing bacterial blotch) and Trichoderma aggressivum f. aggressivum (responsible for green mold). Passaged casing had a suppressive effect on blotch disease and a conducive effect on green mold disease. Blotch suppression resulted in a significantly higher yield of asymptomatic mushrooms in all three mushroom harvests (flushes) and in the overall crop yield. Blotch severity was also significantly reduced in passaged casing compared to standard casing due to a lower yield of mushrooms with the highest degree of blotch disease expression. Green mold disease expression was markedly higher in passaged casing, leading to lower numbers of asymptomatic mushrooms. Zones where no growth of hyphae or mushrooms were also observed in passaged casing due to green mold disease pressure. The stimulating effect of passaged casing on mushroom development and the dynamic outcomes for disease challenge from two distinct, commercially damaging diseases, demonstrates the potential for passaged casing to be used as material to study more sustainable mushroom production and disease management practices.

Molecular Profiling of Rice Straw Degradability Discrepancy in Stropharia rugosoannulata Core Germplasm.

The rice-S. rugosoannulata pattern is a rapidly growing agricultural practice for straw disposal and mushroom production in China. However, different S. rugosoannulata strains show a large variation in rice straw degradability. Here, we constructed a core collection of S. rugosoannulata containing 14 strains with rich genetic diversity. The molecular profiling of the lignocellulose degradability discrepancy of S. rugosoannulata strains was then explored using enzyme activity assays and transcriptome analysis. The results indicated that mycelial growth rate, lignocellulolytic enzyme activities, and rice straw degradability differed widely among the S. rugosoannulata core strains. The genes encoding lignin modifying and degrading auxiliary enzymes, oxidases, glycoside hydrolases, and detoxification proteins were differentially expressed between two representative S. rugosoannulata strains, resulting in differences in their lignocellulolytic enzyme activities and further causing differences in lignocellulose degradability. This study is useful to improve the production efficiency of S. rugosoannulata and promote the recycling of rice straw.

Evaluation of Black-jack (Bidens pilosa L.) substrate for the production of Oyster (Pleurotus ostreatus) mushroom

Using commonly used agricultural byproducts as a substrate for cultivating mushrooms is challenging due to their high cost. Finding economically viable alternative substrates with a high biomass return, particularly for mushroom production like P. ostreatus, is essential. The aim of this study was to determine the feasibility of the weed (Black-jack straw) for oyster mushroom cultivation. Oyster fruiting bodies were obtained from mushroom growers in Mekelle city, Ethiopia. Mycelial culture was secreted via tissue culture and it was used as inoculum for spawn development. The substrates were chopped, weighed (500 g dry weight of substrate), and sterilized. The substrates were packed in polyethylene bags, inoculated with 4% (w/w) spawn. The five treatments, consisting of various blends of Black-jack and wheat straws, were arranged in completely randomized design with triplicates. The highest average total yield (351 g/bag) and biological efficiency (70.20%) were obtained from 100% Black-jack straw. However, lower yield (199 g/bag) and biological efficiency (39.80%) were obtained from 100% wheat straw. Higher (8.78 cm) mean cap diameter and higher (3.48 cm) mean stipe length were recorded from 75% wheat straw + 25% Black-jack straw and 50% wheat straw + 50% Black-jack straw. This study revealed that the best substrate for overall mushroom yield and biological efficiency was 100% Black-jack. Therefore, the Black-jack straw can be considered as low-cost substrate to effectively substitute wheat straw for the cultivation of oyster (Pleurotus ostreatus) mushroom in the studied area.

Economic analysis of mushroom production in Chandrapur district of Maharashtra

Economic analysis of mushroom production in Chandrapur district of Maharashtra

The Situation of Counterfeited and Mislabeled Commercialized Edible Mushrooms in China and the Development of Possible Controls

Edible mushroom products, encompassing both cultivated and wild varieties, are highly favored by consumers due to their rich nutritional profiles, including significant levels of proteins and amino acids. These mushrooms have extensive applications across the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries, making the edible mushroom industry a vital component of global poverty alleviation efforts. Taking China as an example, the country produces over 45 million tons of edible mushrooms annually, accounting for 94.01% of the world’s total production, thereby establishing itself as the leading global producer of edible mushrooms. However, alongside the rapid expansion of this industry, concerns have emerged regarding counterfeit products and incidents of poisoning resulting from the consumption of toxic wild mushrooms. As follows, to advance the development and integrity of the mushroom production and processing industry: (1) This study presents the situation of counterfeit edible mushrooms and elucidates the factors contributing to the production of fraudulent products from both subjective and non-subjective perspectives. (2) We provide a detailed introduction to 22 varieties of freshly cultivated edible mushrooms and commonly encountered wild edible mushrooms in the Chinese consumer market, proposing the application of DNA barcoding, environmental DNA analysis, and other technologies for the future authentication of counterfeit mushroom products. (3) Concurrently, we present an overview of mushroom poisoning incidents in China from 2010 to 2023, emphasizing the challenges in mitigating the risks associated with wild mushroom consumption and preventing food poisoning, thereby necessitating heightened consumer caution. (4) Finally, we offer four recommendations aimed at ensuring the healthy, stable, and sustainable growth of the edible mushroom industry.

Phytochemical Profiling of Pleurotus Pulmonarius from Paddy Straw Substrate.

This paper focuses on the cultivation of Pleurotus pulmonarius mushroom, to find the Preliminary phytochemical analysis from five different solvent extracts of P. pulmonarius. Mushrooms are white fungi that are recognized as a good food source and contain a variety of medicinal benefits. In terms of nutrition, mushrooms are better than a lot of veggies because it contain around 40 to 49% protein. The current study integrates phytochemical analysis with the production of P. pulmonarius mushroom. The mushroom grew on paddy straw, which had been used as a substrate. The Pleurotus mushroom accounts for 25% of the total edible mushroom production worldwide. Fresh mushroom fruit bodies were picked, dried, pulverized, and extracted using a soxhlet apparatus. The pH, humidity and temperature of the surroundings were maintained in between the mycelia growth. Preliminary phytochemical analysis of five different extracts from P. pulmonarius was tested using various solvents, such as alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, tannins, steroids, glycosides, saponins, proteins, quinones, carbohydrates and phenols. Further research can be conducted to determine the bioactive substances from this particular mushroom.

Применение биоугля на основе отработанных грибных блоков в условиях агротемно-серых почв

Recycling of organic waste from mushroom production will improve their environmental safety and optimize the applied agricultural technologies. The aim of the work was to assess the environmental performance of the agricultural technology of using a soil fertilizing material – biochar obtained from spent lignin-cellulose mushroom blocks. It was found that the introduction of biochar from mushroom production waste materials into Gray-Luvic Phaeozems Hortic helps stabilize soil organic matter and increase the productivity of lawn grasses. It was noted that the quality and agroecological efficiency of biochar obtained from spent mushroom blocks based on cereal straw are significantly higher than biochar from spent mushroom blocks based on sunflower husk. Keywords: SOIL ORGANIC MATTER, CO2 EMISSION, SUNFLOWER HUSK, LAWN GRASSES, OYSTER MUSHROOM

Valorization of Spent Lignocellulosic Substrate of Edible Mushrooms into Cellulose Nanofibers for Bionanocomposites Production

AbstractAt the present, the spent Pleurotus substrate (SPS), which is a lignocellulosic waste from the industrial production of mushrooms, is poorly valorized and mostly landfilled. Considering the large amount of SPS that is required to produce one kilo of mushrooms and its hazard to the environment if not properly disposed of, finding means to valorize this waste is of utmost importance. This work proposes the valorization of SPS through the extraction of cellulose nanofibers (NC-SPS), by applying several bleaching and alkaline hydrolysis treatments followed by microfluidization. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) of NC-SPS showed that most of the lignin, hemicelluloses, and other impurities were removed after the treatments of SPS. The transmission electron microscopy analysis of NC-SPS showed the presence of nanofibers with an average width of 24.5 ± 14.9 nm, XRD indicated an increase in crystallinity from 60% for SPS to 71% for NC-SPS, while TGA showed that the onset degradation temperature increased with about 43 °C after the treatments. The new NC-SPS are similar to the nanocellulose extracted from wood and can replace it in various applications. In this work, NC-SPS were tested as modifiers for poly(lactic acid) (PLA) leading to an increase in its crystallinity, Young’s modulus (of up to 57%), and storage modulus, while preserving its thermal stability and transparency. These results showed that NC-SPS acted as good reinforcing agents for PLA, and more applications are foreseen.

A Comprehensive Review of Pests, Pesticides and Residue Detection Techniques in Mushroom

Mushrooms are valued for their dietary benefits and medicinal properties, being rich in proteins, minerals, vitamins, fiber, and essential amino acids. They offer significant health benefits, including the prevention of hypercholesterolemia and cardiovascular diseases, and possess antitumor, antiviral, antihypertensive, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulating properties. Global mushroom production has seen substantial growth, particularly in Asia. However, mushroom cultivation is challenged by various insect pests, leading to significant crop losses. Pesticides are frequently applied to control pests in mushroom cultivation, but their use can lead to the presence of pesticide residues in the mushrooms, raising concerns about food safety. To detect these low levels of residues, multiresidue analytical methods are crucial. Among these, the QuEChERS method stands out as the most commonly used due to its sensitivity, selectivity, and accuracy in determining multiple pesticide residues simultaneously. These methods are capable of identifying various pesticide compounds in a single analysis, effectively addressing the specific biological characteristics of mushrooms. The maximum residue levels (MRLs) for pesticide residues in mushrooms differ, with strict guidelines enforced by regulatory authorities. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the pests that affect mushroom cultivation, the pesticides utilized, and the analytical techniques developed for the detection of pesticide residues in mushrooms.

Optimalisasi Waktu Produksi Jamur Tiram Melalui Implementasi Sistem Penyiraman Berbasis IoT di UD Zaida Jamur Tiram

The optimization of oyster mushroom production time through the implementation of an Internet of Things (IoT)-based irrigation system at UD Zaida Jamur Tiram aims to enhance efficiency and production quality. This program integrates IoT technology to automate the irrigation process, allowing real-time control and monitoring of environmental conditions. Methods include the design and installation of an automatic irrigation system, technical training for operators, and performance evaluation through production data analysis. Results show a significant increase in time efficiency and consistency in oyster mushroom quality. The implementation of this IoT system is expected to support the sustainability and competitiveness of the oyster mushroom industry at UD Zaida.