Lignocellulose degradation during the life cycle ofAgaricus bisporus

Lignocellulose degradation was monitored during the complete life cycle of the edible mushroom Agaricus bisporus grown on composted straw. Lignin and cellulose degradation were assayed by the use of 14C-labelled lignin and cellulose. Agaricus degraded both polymers but cellulose degradation was more extensive. Cellulolysis increased markedly at fruit body production and was greater still in non-axenically fruited cultures. No large change in the rate of lignin degradation occurred during the life cycle.