Revisiting the casing layer: Casing materials and management in Agaricus mushroom cultivation

Abstract

The cultivation of button mushroom has reached a high technological level in developed countries and is associated with high productivity indices. This technological level involves not only compost production and crop management but also the casing layer. Peat has been established as one of the most appropriate casing materials for the cultivation of button mushroom due to its excellent properties. However, good-quality peat is not available in all countries, and peat is not renewable, which reinforces the need for alternative materials. Therefore, studies on the casing layer should include its response to the induction of fruiting since this stage is where the main changes that lead to the formation of primordia occur. This review addresses the different aspects of fruiting induction of Agaricus mushrooms and the influence of the characteristics of the casing layer on mushroom production.

Calcium Enrichment in Edible Mushrooms: A Review

“…Spent lime obtained in the production of sugar from sugar beet, consisting mainly of calcium carbonate, is used as ingredient of casings. The technical interest in the use of spent lime is basically due to its buffering capacity and its ability to improve the casing layer structure, giving casing soil a more or less dense texture [ 90 , 91 , 92 ]. Other sources of calcium have been evaluated in casings for the production of Agaricus subrufescens [ 93 ].…”

Sustainable Use of Sewage Sludge as a Casing Material for Button Mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) Cultivation: Experimental and Prediction Modeling Studies for Uptake of Metal Elements

“…Apart from the nutrient availability in the substrate, the growth of mushrooms also depends on the casing material on which they form a primordium and start forming fruiting bodies. Therefore, certain physiochemical and nutrient interactions take place between the mycelial network and the casing material [46,47]. The SS composition provided a better structure to the thicker mycelia necessary for the production of A. bisporus and did not inhibit its production.…”