A Non-Invasive Method for Measuring Time-Series of Moisture Concentrations in Mycelial Blocks During Shiitake Mushroom Development Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging
- Author: mycolabadmin
- 2023-10-00
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Summary
This research developed a new way to measure water content inside growing shiitake mushroom blocks without damaging them, using MRI technology. This advancement helps mushroom farmers produce better quality mushrooms more consistently. Impact on everyday life:
• Could lead to more reliable production of high-quality shiitake mushrooms
• May help reduce cultivation failures and improve mushroom farm productivity
• Could result in more consistent availability and potentially lower prices for consumers
• Demonstrates how medical imaging technology can be applied to food production
• May lead to improved cultivation methods for other mushroom species
Background
Moisture concentration in mycelial blocks is crucial for producing high-quality shiitake mushrooms with pileus diameter of 4-5cm or larger. Current methods for measuring moisture content are invasive and risk contamination. No non-invasive method has been established to quantitatively measure moisture content in mycelial blocks for shiitake cultivation.
Objective
To develop and demonstrate a novel non-invasive method for measuring moisture concentration and its spatial and temporal changes in mycelial blocks during shiitake mushroom development using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Results
During the maturation phase (46-98 days of incubation), moisture concentration in the top region of mycelial blocks decreased at 66 days then gradually increased due to mycelia decomposing the culture medium and producing water. During fruiting body growth, moisture concentration increased in the periphery of the fruiting body while decreasing in the whole mycelial block as water moved into the fruiting body.
Conclusion
The study successfully developed a quantitative, non-invasive method for measuring moisture concentration in mycelial blocks during shiitake mushroom growth using MRI. The technique revealed important patterns in moisture distribution and movement during different growth phases, providing valuable insights for optimizing cultivation conditions.
- Published in:Fungal Biology,
- Study Type:Experimental Research,
- Source: 10.1016/j.funbio.2023.10.006