Effect of cultivation practices on the ß-glucan content of Agaricus subrufescens basidiocarps.

The present work aimed to assess the effect of the following treatments on the medicinal potential (ß-glucan content) and agronomical performance (yield) of Agaricus subrufescens: five different fungal strains, three cultivation substrates (compost), four casing layers, and four cultivation environments. Two experiments were performed, and the results indicate that the greatest contribution to the variation in ß-glucan content was the strain (35.8%), followed by the casing layer (34.5%), the cultivation environment (15.7%), and the type of compost (9.9%). On the other hand the variation in yield was affected most by the cultivation environment (82.1%), followed by the strain (81.3%), casing layer (49.1%), and compost type (15.2%). These findings underscore the importance of developing a production protocol that employs specific cultivation practices for improving mushroom yield as well as ß-glucan content.

[Adaptability of Brazilian strains of Agaricus subrufescens Peck to fruiting on various casing materials in commercial crops]. / Adaptabilidad de cepas brasileñas de Agaricus subrufescens Peck a la fructificación sobre diferentes capas de cobertura en cultivo comercial.

BACKGROUND: Agaricus subrufescens Peck is a mushroom whose cultivation has aroused great interest worldwide in recent years, and is becoming increasingly popular. A rapid expansion of culture throughout the world is foreseen because of its medicinal and culinary properties. AIMS: This work assesses the effect of 5 different casing layers on the production of 3 strains of Agaricus subrufescens. METHODS: A growth cycle of Agaricus subrufescens under controlled conditions has been carried out. The main production parameters were evaluated. RESULTS: The best results were provided by the ABL 99/30 strain. Peat-based casings have a better yield than those based on mineral soil. The highest yield (6.75kg/m(2), biological efficiency 27.57kg/dt) was provided by the combination ABL 99/30-Euroveen. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that the combination of the strain ABL 99/30 using a peat-based casing layer (Euroveen) offers a high potential for use on a commercial scale by the edible mushroom production sector. The availability of alternatives to the usually cultivated species can make better use of resources, and increase the profitability of this activity.