Properties of peat-based casing soils and their influence on the water relations and growth of the mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) |
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Authors: | Noble R Dobrovin-Pennington A Evered CE Mead A |
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Institution: | (1) Department Horticulture Research International, Wellesbourne, Plant Pathology and Microbiology, Warwick, CV35 9EF, (UK) FAX No;(2) Biometrics Department Horticulture Research International, Wellesbourne, Warwick, CV35 9EF, (UK) |
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Abstract: | Different combinations of peat and chalk or lime sources with differing moisture contents were used to determine how specific
physical and chemical properties of the casing soil relate to the growth and water relations of the mushroom. The peat types
varied in terms of decomposition and extraction method; the lime addition varied in terms of rate and type (chalk or sugar
beet lime). During the colonisation of the casing soil before fruiting, the extension growth rate of mushroom mycelium was
most closely correlated (negatively) with the volumetric moisture content of the casing soil. Scanning electron microscopy
showed that mycelium growing at a lower casing soil matric potential (Ψm) had a much finer and branched structure than mycelium growing at a higher Ψm. Across all the peat and lime source treatments, a relationship was found between the mean Ψm of the casing soil and mushroom yield, with an optimum Ψm of -7.9 to -9.4 kPa. Mushrooms are produced in ‘flushes’ at about 8-day intervals and during the development of each flush
of mushrooms, there was a significant decrease in casing soil Ψm . This decrease (to below -40 kPa) was greatest in the second flush, which was the highest yielding. There were no relationships
between mushroom yield and casing soil osmotic potential Ψπ within the range -93 to -154 kPa or any of the other chemical properties and water and air holding characteristics of the
casing soils which were determined. Across different casing soil treatments, mushroom dry matter content was negatively correlated
with mushroom yield and positively correlated with mushroom tissue osmotic potential.
This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date. |
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Keywords: | Agaricus bisporus casing soil mushroom peat water relations |
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