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Inoculation of Scytalidium thermophilum in Button Mushroom Compost and Its Effect on Yield
G Straatsma1, T W Olijnsma, J P Gerrits
1Mushroom Experimental Station, Horst, The Netherlands.
Abstract:
Scytalidium thermophilum isolates in culture, as well as the endogenous strain(s) in mushroom compost, were inactivated at 70 degrees C. This temperature was used to pasteurize composts for experiments. Of nine thermophilic fungal species, only S. thermophilum and Myriococcum thermophilum grew well on pasteurized compost in test tubes. The effect of both species on the crop yield of Agaricus bisporus mushrooms was studied. In solid-state fermentation rooms called tunnels, compost was pasteurized and inoculated. After incubation, the inoculated organisms were reisolated and counted, showing their successful colonization. The yield of mushrooms on inoculated composts was almost twice that on the pasteurized control. This result demonstrates the effectiveness of S. thermophilum in compost preparation. Inoculation is not necessary for traditional compost preparation. Naturally occurring strains of S. thermophilum, present in ingredients, readily colonize compost during preparation. Inoculation may be vital if compost is pretreated at a high temperature in tunnels. This finding is of relevance for the environmentally controlled production of high-yielding compost.
Insights
Adding Scytalidium thermophilum to mushroom compost significantly boosts Agaricus bisporus yield. This thermophilic fungus thrives after pasteurization, enhancing mushroom production in controlled environments.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Agricultural Science
- Food Science
Background:
- Mushroom compost preparation involves pasteurization to control microbial populations.
- Thermophilic fungi play a role in compost ecosystems and potentially influence mushroom yield.
- Scytalidium thermophilum is a thermophilic fungus found in compost environments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of Scytalidium thermophilum and Myriococcum thermophilum on Agaricus bisporus mushroom yield.
- To determine the effectiveness of S. thermophilum inoculation in high-temperature pasteurized compost.
Main Methods:
- Compost was pasteurized at 70°C.
- Nine thermophilic fungal species were tested for growth on pasteurized compost.
- S. thermophilum and M. thermophilum were inoculated into compost in solid-state fermentation tunnels.
- Mushroom yield was compared between inoculated and pasteurized control composts.
- Colonization of inoculated fungi was confirmed by reisolation and counting.
Main Results:
- Only S. thermophilum and M. thermophilum grew effectively on pasteurized compost.
- Inoculation with S. thermophilum nearly doubled mushroom yield compared to the control.
- Naturally occurring S. thermophilum effectively colonizes compost during traditional preparation.
- Inoculation is crucial for compost pretreated at high temperatures.
Conclusions:
- Scytalidium thermophilum significantly enhances Agaricus bisporus yield in compost.
- Inoculation with S. thermophilum is a viable strategy for improving mushroom production, especially after high-temperature pasteurization.
- This research supports the controlled production of high-yielding compost through targeted fungal inoculation.
