Production flush of Agaricus blazei on Brazilian casing layers

Abstract

This study aimed to verify the biological efficiency and production flushes of Agaricus blazei strains on different casing layers during 90 cultivation days. Four casing layers were used: mixture of subsoil and charcoal (VCS), lime schist (LSC), São Paulo peat (SPP) and Santa Catarina peat (SCP); and two genetically distant A. blazei strains. The fungus was grown in composted substratum and, after total colonization, a pasteurized casing layer was added over the substratum, and fructification was induced. Mushrooms were picked up daily when the basidiocarp veil was stretched, but before the lamella were exposed. The biological efficiency (BE) was determined by the fresh basidiocarp mass divided by the substratum dry mass, expressed in percentage. The production flushes were also determined over time production. The BE and production flushes during 90 days were affected by the strains as well as by the casing layers. The ABL26 and LSC produced the best BE of 60.4%. Although VCS is the most used casing layer in Brazil, it is inferior to other casing layers, for all strains, throughout cultivation time. The strain, not the casing layer, is responsible for eventual variations of the average mushroom mass. In average, circa 50% of the mushroom production occurs around the first month, 30% in the second month, and 20% in third month. The casing layer water management depends on the casing layer type and the strain. Production flush responds better to water reposition, mainly with ABL26, and better porosity to LSC and SCP casing layers.

Optimization of the cultivation conditions for mushroom production with European wild strains of Agaricus subrufescens and Brazilian cultivars

“…As Colauto et al . reported for two Brazilian cultivars, we observed that changes in mushroom fresh weight during harvest depended on the strain, although all strains except CA643 produced less heavy mushrooms during the d20–d30 period.…”

“…The average production in Brazil was estimated to be 8-16% after 120 days of cultivation. 7 As Colauto et al 24 reported for two Brazilian cultivars, we observed that changes in mushroom fresh weight during harvest depended on the strain, although all strains except CA643 produced less heavy mushrooms during the d20-d30 period. As regards the whole harvest, Brazilian strains were generally more interesting than wild European strains for individual fresh weight and dry matter content, but this was offset by the far higher yield of the wild strains.…”

“…The mushroom can fruit at a temperature between 20 and 30 °C . Although, in contrast to A. bisporus , the almond mushroom does not need a decrease in temperature for fruiting, a reduction in air temperature to 17–20 °C to induce primordial formation followed by an increase to 22–28 °C for the development of the fruiting body was reported . However, various experiments performed in Brazil showed that large and uncontrolled variations in temperature also proved suitable.…”

Effect of different agro-wastes, casing materials and supplements on the growth, yield and nutrition of milky mushroom (Calocybe indica)

“…Moreover, Kerketta et al (2018) uses various casing materials for the growth of milky mushroom and found that casing materials positively affected the growth and yield of mushroom. Casing soil protects the compost against desiccation, supports the mushroom against pests and diseases, provides support for developing sporophores and provides a gaseous exchange for growth and development of mushrooms (Colauto et al, 2011).…”

Cryopreservation at −80°C of Agaricus blazei on rice grains

“…It is also appreciated for their sensory characteristics (Escouto et al 2005). However, Colauto et al (2011) report that the proposed names are illegitimate due to previous publishing. Therefore, in this study the name A. blazei is used to this fungus.…”