Beneficial bacterial-Auricularia cornea interactions fostering growth enhancement identified from microbiota present in spent mushroom substrate

Researchers discovered that certain beneficial bacteria, particularly Pseudonocardia mangrovi, can significantly boost the growth of wood ear mushrooms (Auricularia cornea) through laboratory studies. By analyzing the microscopic communities in spent mushroom substrates from high-yielding versus low-yielding farms, they identified bacteria that promote mushroom growth through multiple mechanisms. Co-cultivation experiments and protein analysis revealed these bacteria work synergistically by helping mushrooms break down nutrients and produce growth-enhancing compounds. This research can help farmers select beneficial microbes to improve mushroom yields and profitability.