Source: PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIVERSITY submitted to
NEW TECHNOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES FOR MUSHROOM CULTIVATION TO MANAGE DISEASES, IMPROVE YIELD AND QUALITY, AND INCREASE PROFITABILITY
Sponsoring Institution
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Project Status
TERMINATED
Funding Source
HATCH
Reporting Frequency
Annual
Accession No.
0222532
Grant No.
(N/A)
Project No.
PEN04403
Proposal No.
(N/A)
Multistate No.
(N/A)
Program Code
(N/A)
Project Start Date
Jul 1, 2010
Project End Date
Jun 30, 2015
Grant Year
(N/A)
Project Director
Beyer, DA, ME.
Recipient Organization
PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIVERSITY
208 MUELLER LABORATORY
UNIVERSITY PARK,PA 16802
Performing Department
Plant Pathology & Environmental Microbiology
Non Technical Summary
The per capita consumption of mushrooms in the US has increased since 1980, from 2.6 to 3.8 pounds per person in 2008-09 (1). The mushroom industry is heavily influenced by the lifestyles and preferences of consumers. This level of cropping and sales intensity is undoubtedly requiring further advancements in mushroom yield, quality and shelf life. Thus, new innovations and research to improve yields and quality must be tested in experimental facilities. Penn State is the only remaining academic facility dedicated to mushroom research in the U.S. and Canada. Contemporary mushroom production and processing facilities are very energy intensive. Anticipated large price increases in energy and mandated reductions in carbon footprints are looming in the near-term future. Various strategies need to be further developed and refined for the ever-changing governmental, economic, and environmental constraints that the industry will be facing. At the same time, these strategies must also focus on increasing the profitability of mushroom production and processing facilities. Strategies must be flexible and dynamic in nature to cope with changing constraints and the numerous types of mushroom facilities. The project may result in the reduction of the co-product SMS and reduced its impact of the local communities and environment. Better disease management will result in less pesticide use, reduce cropping cost and yield loss. Better understanding of the energy use and consumption by the growers will also reduce cost of growing mushrooms. These and other outcomes of the project should enable mushroom farmers to continue to be productive and remain competitive in the North American market. The project will provide documents, in the form of extension fact sheets and scientific publications that will be made available to the public and the mushroom industry. In addition, it will provide the technology transfer through extension outreach needed to educate growers in approaches to environmentally controlled composting.
Animal Health Component
(N/A)
Research Effort Categories
Basic
(N/A)
Applied
(N/A)
Developmental
(N/A)
Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)Subject of Investigation (SOI)Field of Science (FOS)Percent
2161470110240%
4025330202010%
2051470116030%
4032420116020%
Knowledge Area
403 - Waste Disposal, Recycling, and Reuse; 205 - Plant Management Systems; 216 - Integrated Pest Management Systems; 402 - Engineering Systems and Equipment;

Subject Of Investigation
5330 - Farm structures and related facilities; 1470 - Mushrooms and other edible fungi; 2420 - Noncrop plant research;

Field Of Science
2020 - Engineering; 1160 - Pathology; 1102 - Mycology;
Goals / Objectives
Investigate mushroom nutrient requirements that may limit yield and determine the influence of adding Phase II compost to Phase III compost on yield and mushroom quality. Evaluate effects of spent mushroom substrate as an ingredient in phase I substrate on yield and mushroom quality. Explore elimination of phase I composting for substrate preparation. Investigate the role of anaerobic compost and other compost characteristics have on Trichoderma disease development for Phase II and Phase II composts and to determine the influence of inoculant carriers, casing materials, formulas and or environmental factors on the growth and development of fungal pathogens. Optimize the use of energy to increase profitability and net cash flow of mushroom production and processing and to decrease the carbon footprints of mushroom production and processing facilities.
Project Methods
Previously tested high cation exchange and chelating materials will be combined with other known nutrients then added to the substrate at different stages in the substrate preparation process. Cropping trials will be used to evaluate several novel materials and combinations of them and determine the influence on yield and mushroom quality. Additional cropping trials will be conducted adding finished Phase II compost to Phase III compost at casing time. Treatments will consist of a control (nothing added), meal added; Phase II compost added at different quantities; meal and Phase II compost added to completely colonized Phase III compost. We will evaluate reuse of spent mushroom substrate (SMS) by incorporating various levels of the material in phase I substrate. We do not know the level of SMS that can be used on a continuous basis without adversely affecting quality of the substrate over time. Pasteurized, SMS will be removed from production rooms after harvesting mushrooms from the 3rd flush. SMS will be mixed with phase I substrate after removal from the bunker and prior to filling into the phase II tunnel at the MTDF. Pasteurized SMS will be collected from a crop and corn stover will be chopped three times with a tub grinder. All ingredients, except SMS, will be added, moistened and mixed (with a Jaylor feed mixer) one day before fill to allow for adequate water uptake. SMS and additional water will be added to the substrate immediately before fill. The mixed substrate will be filled into the phase II tunnel and subjected to a pasteurization/conditioning program similar to that used for a conventional phase II. At time of spawning, a delayed release supplement will be added to stimulate mushroom yield. Investigate the role of anaerobic compost on Trichoderma disease development for Phase II and Phase II composts and determine the influence inoculant carriers, casing materials, formulas and or environmental factors on the growth and development of other fungal pathogens. Investigate the concentration and timing of spore infestation and the influence of anaerobic compost conditions on severity and disease development of Trichoderma disease. Mushroom production involves the use of large amounts of electricity and other forms of energy. It is incumbent on all mushroom producers and processors to develop, adopt, and implement strategies for purchasing energy, managing the use of energy, and evaluating alternate forms of energy. One goal of implementing energy strategies is to optimize the use of energy in order to increase the profitability and net cash flow of mushroom production and processing enterprises. Another equally important goal is to decrease the carbon footprints of the mushroom production and processing facilities. A third series of strategies will be developed for reducing the carbon footprints of mushroom production and processing operations through improvements in energy efficiency, use of renewable energy sources, and innovative concepts of mushroom production and processing.

Progress 07/01/10 to 06/30/15

Outputs
Target Audience:North American Commerical Mushroom Industry Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Nothing Reported How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? 50 publications listed in the previous progress reports. 12 Extension and Pesticide Credit meetings 2010-2015 5 Mushroom Short Course - annual conferences FY 2010 and 2015 4 Mushroom Review Workshops Multiple on-farm visits to disseminate research activities. Mushroom growers have been able to reduce the incidence and severity of Trichoderma Green Mold and Verticillium Dry Bubble diseases on the farms. Energy conserving strategies have been made available to the growers to reduce input cost and to educate growers on selecting energy providers after deregulation. Developed and delivered educational programs to mushroom producers and processors on primary topic of deregulation of electricity generation, with related topics of energy efficiency, energy demand management, and choosing an electricity supplier. Organized and conducted a half-day workshop for mushroom producers and processors on "Choosing an Electricity Supplier." What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Nothing Reported

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? All Agaricus bisporus mushroom cropping trials were done using environmentally controlled production rooms at the Mushroom Research Center at Penn State University. Studies were conducted on phytotoxicity and efficacy against Trichoderma aggressivum (Ta2) using the registered fungicide Mertect (Thiabendazole) as a liquid spawn treatment with different volumes of water. Results showed no significant difference in yield to the untreated control. The results suggest that Mertect with a lower volume of water applied to the spawn will have no negative impact on yield. Additional studies on phytotoxicity and efficacy against Ta2 using essential oils were conducted. Lemongrass and clove oil showed little effectiveness, but Thyme Oil at two different concentrations demonstrated adequate control. The results also suggested that Thyme Oil applied as a drench after casing had no negative impact on yield. To investigate the role of Phase I and Phase II anaerobic compost characteristics on Trichoderma disease development, a cropping experiment was designed with 4 treatments: anaerobic conditions during Phase I composting, during Phase II composting and combinations of each. In the first experiment, Phase I oxygen levels were not low enough to be considered anaerobic, however, Phase II oxygen levels were in the 3-5% range, and considered to be anaerobic. Additionally, anaerobic Phase II compost appeared off-colored and demonstrated a typical sour, anaerobic smell. A spore suspension of Ta2 was used to inoculate a single point in the center of the tub the day after spawning. The percentage of Trichoderma growth on the compost surface was assessed during the 17 day spawn run. Results suggest that more disease development was observed on substrate that was anaerobic during Phase II when compared to an aerobic Phase II substrate. No differences were observed between the two Phase I composts, which was not surprising due to the difficulties faced making anaerobic Phase I compost for this experiment. In another cropping experiment, three commercial Phase II composts and the standard Mushroom Research Center compost were inoculated with T. aggressivum the day after spawning. Two of the commercial composts showed more disease development by first break than the other commercial and research composts. One of the un-inoculated commercial substrates developed green mold by 1st break, suggesting that the substrate was infected at the commercial operation. By the end of the crop no significant difference in green mold growth was noted between all substrates. Further investigation is needed to determine what was different about the more susceptible substrates. Another cropping experiment was conducted to test the efficacy of a commercial biocontrol product compared to an already labeled product (MBI 110 and JAZZ respectively) . These products were were used after casing on standard un-pasteurized casing and pasteurized casing. The commercially available JAZZ showed some early control of green mold and worked better than the MBI 110 and the inoculated control. When the casing was pasteurized the control of the JAZZ was negated and more Ta2 was noted on all inoculated pasteurized casing treatment. These results suggest that there may be some microbial interaction with the bio-pesticides used and the native microbial ecology to make the JAZZ more effective in controlling green mold. We evaluated essential oils and other biopesticides for the control of Verticillium Dry Bubble disease of the A. bisporus. The application timings were as follows: either at casing, 7-9 days after casing, before first break harvest and between first and second break and or combinations of the above. The casing was sprayed with the V. fungicola spore suspension 9 days after casing. The number of symptomatic mushrooms (spotting, bubble or split stems) were counted daily and totaled for each break (7 day total) and reported as percentage of mushrooms infected. The slow release of Thyme Oil when added to an adsorbing gel was also effective in reducing the incidence and severity of the V. fungicola, so this method of delivery shows some promise. The results of this study suggest that Thyme Oil could be used as an effective compound to control V. fungicola. Additional cropping experiments using V. fungicola as a pathogen were conducted to evaluate the efficacy of several bio-fungicides for control of disease development and influence on mushroom yield. Mertect 340 F® and or Bravo Weatherstik® 720 (Syngenta Crop Protection Inc,), containing 54% active ingredient [0.72 g. of chlorothalonil per litre] was used as commercial fungicides, while Organocide, MBI 110, Contans WG, Prestop, Mycostop were used as alternative fungicides. Results suggest that Myco-stop demonstrated significantly better control the disease. The other products showed little control over the disease. Further testing of rates and applications of MycoStop are being conducted. We investigated the feasibility of using the standard commercial bi-layered (compost-peat) cultivation substrate as a means of conferring transgenic traits on non-transgenic mushrooms of Agaricus bisporus. LaFrance virus-resistant strains of A. bisporus were developed via hairpin-silencing methodology. Inoculating the compost layer with a transgenic virus-resistant strain and peat layer with a non-transgenic commercial strain resulted in development of non-transgenic mushrooms showing virus resistance. This technology shows promise for developing A. bisporus strains with high resistance to the major fungal pathogens and insect pests as well as increasing mushroom yield, quality, and nutrient content. Research focused on strategies to optimize energy use in mushroom production to increase profitability and net cash flow. Strategies for energy management systems focused on energy conservation, energy efficiency, energy demand management, and renewable energy alternatives.

Publications

  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Beyer, D. and Pecchia, J. 2014. Syzygites  New Mold on Brown Mushrooms. Mushroom News Vol 62(4): 8-9.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Beyer, D. and Pecchia, J. 2014. Composting changes in carbon. Mushroom News. 62(8):10-15.


Progress 10/01/13 to 09/30/14

Outputs
Target Audience: The target audience is the North American mushroom industry. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Nothing Reported How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Three Extension and Pesticide Credit meetings 2013-2014 Mushroom Short Course - annual conferences FY 2013 and 2014 What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Investigate the role of anaerobic compost and other compost characteristics have on Trichoderma disease development for Phase II and Phase II composts and to determine the influence of inoculant carriers, casing materials, formulas and or environmental factors on the growth and development of fungal pathogens. To continue to evaluate as many essential oils and bio-fungicides that are commercially available in vitro and in vivo against indigenous fungal isolates collected at farms around the country. To evaluate the role of volatiles in disease development. Evaluate disease resistance to registered commercial fungicides from isolates recently collected in the field and compared to isolates collected previous years. Evaluation of efficacy of B. bassiana against adult sciraid flies is ongoing and is investigating both lethal and sub lethal effects. We will look more closely at the insect pathogen interactions for each life stage to determine if targeting the most susceptible life stages and careful timing and placement of biopesticide applications can increase efficacy of B. bassiana. Over the coming months, all the experiments described above will be repeated using phorids, to evaluate the efficacy of B. bassiana for phorid fly control. With the GC/EAD system, we have made progress in starting to determine the activity of female L. mali extract and which elution times (GC retention times) contain EAG-active compounds. The quadroprobe EAG system will also been useful in determining the types of compounds that the male, vs. the female, L. mali antennae are responsive to.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Cropping experiments using Verticillium fungicola as a pathogen were conducted to evaluate the efficacy of several bio-fungicides for control of disease development and influence on mushroom yield. A conidial suspension (1 × 105 conidia ml-1) of V. fungicola was prepared just prior to the experimentation. Mertect 340 F (thiabendazole) and or Bravo (chlorothalonil) was used as commercial fungicides, while paraffin oil, natamycin, and Biosol (fungal mass fertilizer/bio-fungicide) were used as alternative fungicides. The bio-fungicides applications were either applied according the label’s Active Ingredient rate or at a 2x rate. The timing of the applications was as follows: at casing, 7-9 days after casing, before first break harvest and between first and second break. The casing was sprayed with the Verticillium spore suspension 9 days after casing. First break harvest began about 17 days after casing. Mushrooms were harvested for 2 or 3 growing cycles, or breaks, depending on disease severity. Yield data was statistically analyzed for a completely randomized design using the Waller Duncan K-ratio t-test at a significance level of 0.05 to separate the means. The number of symptomatic mushrooms (spotting, bubble or split stems) were counted daily and totaled for each break (7 day total) and reported as percentage of mushrooms infected. Results suggest that Bio-sol had little control of the disease and a slight negative influence on yield. The paraffin oil and natamycin showed some control over the disease for 1st break but less disease control on 2nd break. The un-inoculated treatments had a slight negative effect on yield, but most were not significantly different than the un-inoculated control. To investigate the role of Phase I and Phase II anaerobic compost characteristics on Trichoderma disease development, a cropping experiment was designed to have 4 treatments: anaerobic conditions during Phase I composting, during Phase II composting and combinations of each. In the first experiment, Phase I oxygen levels were not low enough to be considered anaerobic, however, Phase II oxygen levels were in the 3-5% range, and considered to be anaerobic. Additionally, anaerobic Phase II compost appeared off-colored and demonstrated a typical sour, anaerobic smell. A 105 spore suspension of T. aggressivum was used to inoculate a single point in the center of the tub the day after spawning. The percentage of Trichoderma growth on the compost surface was assessed during the 17 day spawn run. Results suggest that more disease development was observed on substrate that was anaerobic during Phase II when compared to an aerobic Phase II substrate. No differences were observed between the two Phase I composts, which was not surprising due to the difficulties faced making anaerobic Phase I compost for this experiment.

Publications

  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Cloonan, K., George, J., and Baker, T.C. 2014. Efforts to Identify Attractants to Help Control the Fungus Gnat, Lycoriella mali. Mushroom News (7): 2014, pp. 4-9.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Pecchia J.A., and D.M. Beyer, D.M., 2013. The Status of Trichoderma Green Mold in the United States. Mushroom News 61 (7): 16-17.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Pecchia , J.A. and Beyer, D.M. 2013. Pest Management on US Commercial Mushroom Farms. Outlooks on Pest Management 24(1):28-29.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Beyer, D., Pecchia, J., and Elias, R. 2013. Investigations into Cultural Factors Influencing the Development of Trichoderma Green Mold. Mushroom News 61 (7): 4-11.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Beyer, D. M., K. O'Donnell, K. Paley, and M. P. Wach. 2013. First Report of Syzygites megalocarpus Web Mold. Mushroom News 61(4): 16-17.


Progress 10/01/12 to 09/30/13

Outputs
Target Audience: The target audience is the North American mushroom industry. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Nothing Reported How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Three Extension and Pesticide Credit meetings 2012-2013 Mushroom Short Course - annual conference What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? – Investigate mushroom nutrient requirements that may limit yield and determine the influence of adding mushroom compost to Phase II compost on yield and mushroom quality. – Investigate the role of anaerobic compost and other compost characteristics have on Trichoderma disease development for Phase II and Phase II composts and to determine the influence of inoculant carriers, casing materials, formulas and or environmental factors on the growth and development of fungal pathogens. – To continue to evaluate as many essential oils and biorationals that are commercially available in vitro and in vivo against indigenous fungal isolates collected at farms around the country.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Evaluated essential oils and other biopesticides for the control of several fungal diseases of the commercial button mushroom, Agaricus bisporus. The results obtained are promising since the application of an essential oil, Thyme Oil, has also been found to control the development and symptoms of Verticillium Dry Bubble disease. The higher concentrations of this oil showed some promise as a possible bio-pesticide, but the economics of the material and application timing needs to be investigated. The slow release of Thyme Oil when added to an adsorbing gel was also effective in reducing the incidence and severity of the disease, so this method of delivery shows some promise. The results of this study suggest that Thyme Oil could be used as an effective compound to control Verticillium Further testing for concentrations and timing of the applications may improve the effectiveness of this bio-pesticide. Understanding the mechanism(s) that are limiting yields and substrate utilization may lead to increased use of organic matter by the mushroom and will reduce the quantity of substrate left after cropping. Preliminary results of this project suggest that no casing mushroom compost (NCMC) can be added to fresh Phase II compost at spawning if the material is pasteurized prior to adding it into the substrate. Both the NCMC and the hypnum peat moss needs to be pasteurized prior to adding into fresh substrate. The addition of a humic-fulvic compound and or fine charcoal also improved the utilization of the NCMC. Further testing of these compounds and other chelating materials will be conducted. The reuse of casing may be limited to a small percentage until we determine how to reduce the electrical conductivity of the spent casing material.

Publications

  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Beyer, D. M., K. ODonnell, K. Paley, and M. P. Wach. 2013. First Report of Syzygites megalocarpus (Mucorales) Web Mold on the Commercial Portabella Button Mushroom Agaricus bisporus in North America. Plant Disease Jan 2013, Volume 97, Number 1.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2012 Citation: Beyer, D.M. and J. Poppiti. 2012. The Safe and Proper Use of Disinfectants and Sanitizers on Mushroom Farms. Mushroom News. 60(7):8-15.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2012 Citation: Pecchia, J. and D.M. Beyer. 2012. Raw Materials  Whats this Years Outlook. Mushroom News. 60(8):8-9.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2012 Citation: Pecchia, J. and D.M. Beyer. 2012. The Penn State Lines, Trichoderma Green Mold Survey. Mushroom News. 60(8):10-11.


Progress 10/01/11 to 09/30/12

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Evaluated essential oils and other biopesticides for the control of several fungal diseases of the commercial button mushroom, Agaricus bisporus. The results obtained are promising since the application of an essential oil, Thyme Oil, has also been found to control the development and symptoms of Verticillium Dry Bubble disease. The higher concentrations of this oil showed some promise as a possible bio-pesticide, but the economics of the material and application timing needs to be investigated. The slow release of Thyme Oil when added to an adsorbing gel was also effective in reducing the incidence and severity of the disease, so this method of delivery shows some promise. The results of this study suggest that Thyme Oil could be used as an effective compound to control Verticillium Further testing for concentrations and timing of the applications may improve the effectiveness of this bio-pesticide. Thyme Oil was not as effective against Trichoderma in vitro, so further testing of it in vivo was not considered. We investigated the feasibility of using the standard commercial bi-layered (compost-peat) cultivation substrate as a means of conferring transgenic traits on non-transgenic mushrooms of Agaricus bisporus. LaFrance virus-resistant strains of A. bisporus were developed via hairpin-silencing methodology. Inoculating the compost layer with a transgenic virus-resistant strain and peat layer with a non-transgenic commercial strain resulted in development of non-transgenic mushrooms showing virus resistance. In this work, we explored the effect of using various levels of SMS, with and without the casing layer, as ingredients in compost formulations on mushroom yield. Up to 15% SMS (including the casing layer) could be used as an ingredient in compost without adversely affecting yield while 20% SMS (without the casing layer) could be used. Developed and delivered educational programs to mushroom producers and processors on primary topic of deregulation of electricity generation, with related topics of energy efficiency, energy demand management, and choosing an electricity supplier. PARTICIPANTS: Emmie Warnstorm, Plant Pathology graduate student advised by Dr. Dan Royse. TARGET AUDIENCES: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Drs. Buffington, Romaine, and Royse retired this past year; they will no longer be a part of this project.

Impacts
Several alternative bio-pesticides and cultivation strategies to control fungal disease have been developed and presented to the mushroom community. Alternative energy management strategies have been developed and presented to the mushroom growers to optimize energy use. A transgenic breeding approach was used to develop virus-resistant germplasm, which is a trait not natively found in A. bisporus. Mushroom growers have been able to reduce the incidence and severity of Trichoderma Green Mold disease on the farms. A cultivation method that can be employed to confer transgenically improved traits on non-transgenic mushrooms. This technology shows promise for developing A. bisporus strains with high resistance to the major fungal pathogens and insect pests as well as increasing mushroom yield, quality, and nutrient content. Energy conserving strategies have been made available to the growers to reduce input cost and to educate growers on selecting energy providers after deregulation.

Publications

  • Bechara, M. A., P. H. Heinemann, P. N. Walker, and C. P. Romaine. 2011. A two-phase solid-state fermentation process for mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) production on cereal grains. Biological Engineering Transactions 4:219-229.
  • Beyer, D. M. and J. Pecchia. 2011. Take Your Lumps for Better Mushroom Size. Mushroom News 59(2):22-23.
  • Beyer, D. M. and J. Pecchia. 2012. Water-The Most Important Variable in Mushroom Production Mushroom News 60(1):12-13.
  • Kapu, N. U. S., M. Manning, T. B. Hurley, J. Voight, D. J. Cosgrove, and C. P. Romaine. 2011. Surfactant-assisted pretreatment and enzymatic hydrolysis of spent mushroom compost for the production of sugars. BioResource Tech. (In Press).
  • Pecchia, J., D. M. Beyer, and K. Paley. 2011. Quarterly Survey for Trichoderma Green Mold. Mushroom News 59(7):10-1.
  • Pecchia, J. and D. M. Beyer. 2011. What the Hay Mushroom News 59(8):6-8.
  • Pecchia, J. and D. M. Beyer. 2011. Global Warming Potential and Mushrooms Mushroom News 59 (11):20-21.
  • Pecchia, J. A and D. M. Beyer. 2012. The status of Trichoderma aggressivum, the causal agent of green mold, in the United States as determined in response to 2010-2011 quarterly surveys. Proceedings of the 18th Congress of the International Society for Mushroom Science. Mushroom Science XVIII. J. Zhang, H. Wang, and M. Chen, editors. China Agriculture Press. China. pp 350-356.
  • Woolston, B. M., C. Schlagnhaufer, J. Wilkinson, J. Larsen, Z. Shi, K. M. Mayer, D. S. Walters, W. R. Curtis, and C. P. Romaine. 2011. Long-distance translocation of protein during morphogenesis of the fruiting body in the filamentous fungus, Agaricus bisporus. PLoS ONE 6(12): e28412. http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0028412.
  • Romaine, C. P. and D. J. Royse. 2011. Biotechnology of mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) production. In: Encyclopedia of Biotechnology in Agriculture and Food. Heldman, Hoover, and Wheeler (Eds.). Taylor & Francis Group. New York, NY. (In Press).
  • Romaine, C. P. 2011. Adventures with transgenic mushrooms. Mushroom News 59(11):12-19.
  • Romaine, C. P. 2011. Genetically engineering Agaricus bisporus. World Society for Mushroom Biology and Mushroom Products. Bulletin 5:1-5.
  • Royse, D. J. 2012. Use of spent mushroom substrate (SMS) as an ingredient in mushroom compost formulations. Mush. Sci. 18:709-713.


Progress 10/01/10 to 09/30/11

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Two new commercial grain spawn substitutes, Matrix and Nexus, were evaluated in a cropping trial for their effect on the development of green mold disease on Agaricus bisporus caused by Trichoderma aggressivum. Both spawn substitutes showed inherent high resistance to green mold disease, with less than 50% crop, loss compared to conventional millet grain spawn with a 90% loss. In a second cropping trial, using the commercial biocontrol product, JAZZ, as a spawn and supplement treatment and first-harvest drench afforded a significant level of green mold control. Additional studies on phytotoxicity and efficacy against Ta using essential oils were conducted. Lemongrass and clove oil showed little effectiveness, but Thyme Oil at two different concentrations demonstrated adequate control. The results also suggested that Thyme Oil applied as a drench after casing had no negative impact on yield. Further testing for concentrations and timing of the applications may improve the effectiveness of this bio-pesticide. The degree of fragmentation, supplementation, and addition of phase II compost (PIIC) to second break compost (2BkC) was evaluated for mushroom yield and biological efficiency (BE%). One crop was extended as a triple crop in which we evaluated effect of compost type, and addition of phase II compost and supplement. All crops involved removing the casing layer after second break and then using 2BkC for the various treatments. Simple fragmentation of the compost increased mushroom yield by 30% compared to non-fragmented compost. Addition of a commercial supplement to fragmented compost increased mushroom yield by 53-56% over non-supplemented, fragmented 2BkC. Fragmented, supplemented 2BkC resulted in a 99% and 108% yield increase over the non-fragmented control depending on degree of fragmentation (3X, 1X, respectively). Addition of PIIC to 2BkC resulted in a significant yield stimulation for one crop but not the other. A third crop of mushrooms was produced from 2BkC, but yields were about one-half that of the 1st and 2nd crops. Developed and delivered educational programs to mushroom producers and processors on primary topic of deregulation of electricity generation, with related topics of energy efficiency, energy demand management, and choosing an electricity supplier. Organized and conducted a half-day workshop for mushroom producers and processors on "Choosing an Electricity Supplier." PARTICIPANTS: Ms. Stephanie Loehr was an M.S. degree candidate in the Department of Plant Pathology at Penn State. Mike A. Fidenza, Ph.D. - Associate Professor, Department of Horticulture Penn State University, Berks Campus. Thierry Regina, Ph.D. - Assistant Professor, Department of Chemistry, Tshwane University of Technology, South Africa TARGET AUDIENCES: Mushroom growing community. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
Several alternative bio-pesticides and cultivation strategies to control fungal disease have been developed and presented to the mushroom community. The potential for further use of the crop's co-product mushroom compost has been investigated. Alternative energy management strategies have been developed and presented to the mushroom growers to optimize energy use. Mushroom growers have been able to reduce the incidence and severity of Trichoderma Green Mold disease on the farms. Research has confirmed previous studies showing that nutrients remain after a crop of mushrooms have been harvested. Energy conserving strategies have been made available to the growers to reduce input cost and to educate growers on selecting energy providers after deregulation.

Publications

  • Beyer, D. M., J. A. Pecchia, G. Roth, C. Houser, and M. Fidanza. 2010. Alternative Compost Ingredients and Mushroom Compost Uses. Mushroom News 58(8):8-17.
  • Beyer, D. M. and J. Pecchia. 2010. Microbes of Phase II. Mushroom News 58(4):14-15.
  • Beyer, D. M. and J. Pecchia. 2010. Characteristics of Mummy Disease. Mushroom News 58(1):22.
  • Buffington, D. E. 2010. Don't Make an 11th Hour Decision for Your Electricity Supplier. Mushroom News 58(12):23
  • Buffington, D. E. 2011. Update on Lighting. Mushroom News 59(4):17.
  • Pecchia, J. and D. M. Beyer. 2011. Supplements and Raw Bulk Ingredients for Mushroom Composting. Mushroom News 59(6):7-8.
  • Pecchia, J. and D. M. Beyer. 2010. Minimizing the Environmental Impact of your Farm. Mushroom News 58(11):6-7.
  • Pecchia, J. and D. M. Beyer. 2010. Causes of Nematode Infestation. Mushroom News 58(7):8-9.
  • Pecchia, J., D. M. Beyer, and K. E. Paley. 2010. Survey Says Trichoderma Impacts Yields. Mushroom News 58(7):10.
  • Fidanza, M. A., D. L. Sanford, D. M. Beyer, and D. J. Aurentz. 2010. Analysis of Fresh Mushroom Compost. HortTechnology 20(2):449-453.


Progress 10/01/09 to 09/30/10

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Two new commercially available products, Matrix, which is a particulate grain-based spawn, and Jazz, which is Bacillus-based biological fungicide, were evaluated for their effect on green mold disease caused by Trichoderma aggressivum (Ta). Matrix was found to possess high inherent resistance to Ta, providing 68% disease control compared to 6% control with traditional intact-millet grain spawn. For the prophylactic treatment of Matrix and millet spawn, Jazz and Topsin (a.i. thiophanate-methyl) provided 51-63% and 9-17% disease control, respectively. Additional studies on phytotoxicity and efficacy against Ta using the registered fungicide Mertect (Thiabendazole) as a liquid spawn treatment with different volumes of water showed no significant difference in yield to the untreated control. The results suggest that Mertect with a lower volume of water applied to the spawn will have no negative impact on yield. At first break only the Topsin treated spawn showed significantly less Ta growth when compared to the Mertect and un-treated inoculated control. By the end of second bread the Topsin and low volume water Mertect showed significantly less Ta growth that the un-treated and high volume water Mertect treatment. These results suggest that Mertect applied with minimal volume of water may be effective in controlling Ta infections. The degree of fragmentation, supplementation, and addition of phase II compost (PIIC) to second break compost (2BkC) was evaluated for mushroom yield and biological efficiency (BE%). One crop was extended as a triple crop in which we evaluated effect of compost type, and addition of phase II compost and supplement. All crops involved removing the casing layer after second break and then using 2BkC for the various treatments. Simple fragmentation of the compost increased mushroom yield by 30% compared to non-fragmented compost. Addition of a commercial supplement to fragmented compost increased mushroom yield by 53-56% over non-supplemented, fragmented 2BkC. Fragmented, supplemented 2BkC resulted in a 99% and 108% yield increase over the non-fragmented control depending on degree of fragmentation (3X, 1X, respectively). Addition of PIIC to 2BkC resulted in a significant yield stimulation for one crop but not the other. A third crop of mushrooms was produced from 2BkC, but yields were about one-half that of the 1st and 2nd crops. Improved yield and biological efficiency (BE) of Pleurotus eryngii var. eryngii were achieved by supplementation of substrate with a commercial delayed-release nutrient and use of a casing overlay. Use of a casing layer enhanced yield by 141% over non-cased substrates. Research focused on strategies to optimize energy use in mushroom production to increase profitability and net cash flow. Strategies for energy management systems focused on energy conservation, energy efficiency, energy demand management, and renewable energy alternatives. Recommended procedures were developed for the mushroom producers to select energy suppliers in preparation for the deregulation of electricity generation to commence in 2011. PARTICIPANTS: Ms. Stephanie Loehr is an M.S. degree candidate in the Department of Plant Pathology at Penn State. Ms. Shanece Baptiste is an M.S. degree candidate in the Department of Plant Pathology at Penn State. Dr. Jose E. Sanchez is a professor at El Colegio de la Frontera Sur., Tapachula, Chiapas, Mexico. Dr. Maria del Mar Jimenez-Gasco, is assistant professor of plant pathology at Penn State. TARGET AUDIENCES: Mushroom Growing Community. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
Several alternative fungicides and cultivation strategies to control fungal disease have been developed and presented to the mushroom community. The potential for further use of the crop's co-product mushroom compost has been investigated. A novel approach to Oyster mushroom production has been shown. Alternative energy management strategies have been developed and presented to the mushroom growers to optimize energy use. Mushroom growers have been able to reduce the incidence and severity of Trichoderma Green Mold disease on the farms. Research has confirmed previous studies showing that nutrients remain after a crop of mushrooms have been harvested. Energy conserving strategies have been made available to the growers to reduce input cost and to educate growers on selecting energy providers after deregulation.

Publications

  • Bechara, M. A., P. Heinemann, P. N. Walker, A. Demirci, and C. P. Romaine. 2009. Evaluating the addition of activated carbon to heat-treated mushroom casing for grain-based and compost-based substrates. BioResource Tech. 100:4441-4446.
  • Beyer, D. M. 2009. Penn State Research Update: The use of corn stover, soybean stover/hay and switchgrass in mushroom substrate preparation and the subsequent use of post crop mushroom compost to replace nutrients removed with these crop materials. Mushroom News 57(2):10.
  • Beyer, D. M. and J. Pecchia. 2009. Looking Phorid. Mushroom News 57(4):12-17.
  • Beyer, D. M. and J. Pecchia. 2009. What is Compost Quality Mushroom News 57(8):4-12.
  • Buffington, D. E. 2009. What will electricity suppliers offer Mushroom News 57(10):4-5.
  • Buffington, D. E. 2010. FAQ about deregulation of electricity generation. Mushroom News 58(4):16-17.
  • Buffington, D. E. 2010. Shopping for an electricity supplier. Mushroom News 58(1):12-13.
  • Buffington, D. E. 2010. The energy pyramid. Mushroom News 58(5):14-15.
  • Buffington, D. E. 2010. Real-time pricing of electricity. Mushroom News (In Press).
  • Rodriguez Estrada, A. E., M. del Mar Jimenez-Gasco, and D. J. Royse. 2009. Improvement of yield of Pleurotus eryngii var. eryngii by substrate supplementation and use of a casing overlay. Bioresource Technol. 100:5270-5276.
  • Royse, D. J. 2010. Effects of fragmentation, supplementation and the addition of phase II compost to 2nd break compost on mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) yield. Bioresource Technol. 101:188-192.
  • Williams, A. L., P. H. Heinemann, C. J. Wysocki, D. M. Beyer, and R. E. Graves. 2010. Prediction of odor pleasantness using electronic nose technology and artificial neural networks. Applied Eng Ag. 26(2):343-350.
  • Coello-Castillo, M. M., J. E. Sanchez, and D. J. Royse. 2009. Cultivation of a brown strain of Agaricus bisporus on a substrate pre-colonized by Scytalidium thermophilum. Bioresource Technol. 100:4488-4492.
  • Fidanza, M. and D. M. Beyer. 2009. Plant Nutrients and Fresh Mushroom Compost Mushroom News 57(11):4-9.
  • Nicholson, M. S., B. A. Bunyard, and D. J. Royse. 2009. Phylogenetic implications of restriction maps of the intergenic regions flanking the 5S ribosomal RNA gene of Lentinula species. Fungi 2(4):48-57.