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Effects of Cadmium Stress on Physiological Indexes and Fruiting Body Nutritions of Agaricus brasiliensis

Summary

This research examined how different levels of cadmium (a toxic heavy metal) affect two strains of the medicinal mushroom Agaricus brasiliensis. The study found important differences in how these mushroom strains handle cadmium contamination, with one strain (J77) showing better resistance to cadmium while maintaining lower absorption levels. This has important implications for safer mushroom cultivation and consumption. Impacts on everyday life: – Helps identify safer mushroom varieties for consumption with lower heavy metal accumulation – Provides guidance for mushroom growers on selecting better strains for contaminated environments – Contributes to improving food safety standards for edible mushrooms – Helps understand how to maintain nutritional quality of mushrooms under environmental stress – Offers insights for developing more resistant mushroom strains for future cultivation

Background

Agaricus brasiliensis is an edible mushroom valued for its therapeutic effects on cancer, hypertension, arteriosclerosis, heart disease, diabetes and chronic hepatitis. Heavy metal pollution, particularly cadmium (Cd), is a major food security concern. Fungi can absorb and bioaccumulate heavy metals from growth media, potentially leading to unsafe levels in edible mushrooms.

Objective

To study the effects of different concentrations of cadmium stress on two strains of A. brasiliensis (J1 and J77), examining changes in antioxidant enzymes, proline, malondialdehyde, Cd content, agronomic traits, yield, and nutritional components like polysaccharides, triterpenes, proteins, sugars and amino acids.

Results

The study found that J1 was a high Cd absorption but low tolerance variety, while J77 showed low Cd absorption but high tolerance. Under high Cd stress, J1’s yield decreased significantly while J77’s increased. Antioxidant enzyme activities showed different patterns between strains and varied with Cd concentration. Nutritional components, particularly proteins and amino acids, were significantly affected by Cd stress, with polysaccharides showing moderate changes. Other nutrients were less sensitive to Cd stress.

Conclusion

The two A. brasiliensis strains showed significant differences in physiological indexes, antioxidant enzyme activities, and stress-resistant substances. J77 demonstrated superior characteristics with lower Cd absorption and higher stress tolerance compared to J1. The study recommends selecting J77 varieties for production to effectively reduce Cd content in fruiting bodies while maintaining yield and quality.
  • Published in:Scientific Reports,
  • Study Type:Experimental Research,
  • Source: 10.1038/s41598-021-87349-x
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