This eBook publication focuses on the most commonly grown button mushroom or champignon and those related to it, but what you will learn can also be applied when cultivation other edible fungi.
Mushrooms are a good healthy source of carbohydrates, protein, vitamins and minerals and in particular; Vitamin B, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid and phosphorous. So, learning to grow mushrooms from reading this book, can be nutritionally rewarding as well as being an interesting hobby.
Cultivating mushrooms can also provide you with a second income or if grown in enough quantities, possibly even a liveable income. This is because the principles of cultivation are the same, whatever the harvest yield. And because 36 to 40 percent of the mushrooms grown and eaten in the world are from these strains of fungi (Agaricus bisporus), so there’s a big market to target.
This eBook will teach you the fundamental principles involved in mushroom cultivation that will en-able you to “grow your own” or start your own mushroom farming enterprise.
93 pages
Contents
Forward
Chapter 1. Nature and Scope of Mushroom Production
Nature of Mushroom Growing
Nutritional Value of Mushrooms
The Science
Other Types of Edible Mushrooms
Typical Mushroom Growing Procedure
Chapter 2. Spawn Production
Introduction
The Agaricus Genus
Stages of Maturity
Other Agaricus Species
Agaricus Bisporus Strains
Selecting Strains
Starting Out: A Note on Sterilisation
Spawn Manufacture
Spore Culture
Multi-spore and Mono-spore Cultures
Preparing Spore Cultures
Tissue Culture
Mycelium Transfer
Spawn Disorders
Chapter 3. Compost Production
Compost
Preparing the Substrate for Spawning
Materials used for Composting
Phases of Compost Making
Chapter 4. Structures and Environment Control
Growing Structures
Selecting a Site
Choosing a Structure
Environmental Control
Chapter 5. Growing Methods
Choosing Methods
Spawning
Different Growing Systems
Chapter 6. Mushroom Health: Pest and Disease Control
Pests and Diseases
Pests
Diseases
Virus Diseases
Bacterial Diseases
Other Health Problems
Hygiene
Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
Chemical Controls
Chapter 7. Harvesting, Processing and Storage
Harvesting Conditions
When to Harvest Mushrooms
Processing
Storage
Storage Disorders
Chapter 8. Using Mushrooms
Edible Uses of Mushrooms
Potential Health Risks of Consuming Mushrooms and Contraindications
Health Benefits of Mushrooms
Foods Using Mushrooms or other Fungi
Preserving Mushrooms
Mushroom Recipes
Other Uses of Mushrooms
Appendix