Microbial processes in mushroom cultivation; a large scale solid substrate fermentation

The microbial processes occurring during mushroom cultivation are amenable to analysis by a number of experimental approaches. The microbial flora of the composting stage can be examined by microbiological and microscopical methods. The quantity of microbial biomass accumulating in the substrate can be measured by biochemical or microscopical techniques. Biodegradation of the substrate during composting or colonisation by mushroom mycelium can be assessed by chemical methods, assay of degradative enzymes and by following the degradation rate of radiolabelled plant polymers. Analysis of these processes indicates that substrate preparation (composting) is amenable to further control by manipulation of substrate environment and ingredients. Improvement in substrate utilisation might be achieved by strain selection, and further analysis of substrate composition.