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Do spawn storage conditions influence the colonization capacity of a wheat-straw-based substrate by Agaricus subrufescens?

Summary

This research investigated how storage conditions affect the growth potential of the almond mushroom (Agaricus subrufescens), an edible fungus with potential health benefits. The study found that storing mushroom spawn at 10-15°C for up to 30 days can actually improve its ability to grow on agricultural waste materials. Impacts on everyday life: – Improved storage methods could make this nutritious mushroom more widely available to consumers – Better cultivation techniques could reduce costs for mushroom growers – More efficient use of agricultural waste products through mushroom cultivation – Potential increased availability of natural compounds with anti-cancer properties – Development of more sustainable food production methods

Background

Mushroom cultivation is an important biotechnological process that combines nutraceutical production with recycling of agricultural by-products. Agaricus subrufescens is an emerging species actively cultivated in Brazil since the 1990s, known for its almond flavor and potential anti-cancer properties. However, A. subrufescens is sensitive to low temperatures, making spawn storage conditions a critical factor for successful cultivation.

Objective

To investigate whether spawn of A. subrufescens produced on rye seeds and stored at 10°C or 15°C for 15 or 30 days affects its substrate-colonizing potential of horse manure and wheat-straw-based compost. The study aimed to determine optimal storage conditions that maintain spawn viability and colonization capacity.

Results

Storage at 10°C or 15°C enhanced both laccase and cellulase activities compared to controls. Chemical transformation markers showed increased substrate transformation after storage. Microbial functional diversity was maintained or enhanced after spawn storage. The results indicated that mycelium growth likely occurred during storage, leading to increased biomass in the inoculum.

Conclusion

Storage conditions of A. subrufescens spawn at 10-15°C for up to 30 days did not negatively affect substrate colonization and in some cases improved colonization potential. These findings suggest these storage temperatures are viable for commercial mushroom production, though further studies on crop yields and mushroom quality are needed.
  • Published in:Comptes Rendus Biologies,
  • Study Type:Experimental Study,
  • Source: 10.1016/j.crvi.2014.06.002
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