This systematic narrative review critically evaluates the effects and mechanisms of pre- and postharvest abiotic elicitors on edible mushrooms. Relevant literature was retrieved from Scopus, Dimensions, and PubMed, and studies were selected following PRISMA guidelines using Rayyan AI. Of 586 records identified, 43 studies met the inclusion criteria. Several emerging technologies, such as cold plasma, UV irradiation, pulse light, etc., were applied to mushrooms. Among them, UV treatment was the most extensively investigated elicitor, with most treatments effectively enhancing antioxidant activity through increased accumulation of phenolics and other bioactive compounds. Despite these advances, knowledge gaps remain regarding the underlying biosynthetic mechanisms, highlighting the need for multi-omics approaches in future research.
Samson Debbarma (Fri,) studied this question.