were on the horizon, but Sonnenberg reported it is unlikely that a variety will be developed in the short-term.
Supplements
After lunch (with mushrooms), Ameri- can researcher Dr. David Beyer took to the podium. He first quoted another re- searcher at Penn State University, Dr. Paul Wuest. “Mushroom substrate has developed from a ‘hodge-podge’ of in- gredients mixed with water, fed through a turner and mastered through trial and error.” Beyer elucidated on the nutrient requirement of mushrooms “Carbons are of course important here, particular- ly built into more complex compounds that our agaricus can easily deal with. During the composting process, the eas- ily available, decomposable carbohy- drates are utilised by micro-organisms to create the right nutritional balance in the compost.” Nitrogen also plays a cru- cial role, explained Beyer, especially in combination with lignin, whereby dur- ing phase I a lignin-nitrogen complex is formed that supports the mycelium dur- ing phase III. “Proteins are also an im- portant source of nutrition, primarily supplied by supplements we add after phase II or III, while fats and oils, origi- nating from the biosmass that is created during the phase II process, play a role in stimulating mycelium growth. The scytalidium thermophilum mould also plays a role here.” And finally, micronu- trients such as phosphorus and seleni- um also encourage mushroom growth. Beyer, who delivered a fascinating and amusing lecture, said that agaricus bis- porus has the unique characteristic of being able to decompose complex com-
Left: In festive mood!
In the midlle: Petra Hooymans, Kim Hooymans, Gerd-Jan Hooymans, singer Glennis Grace and Jan Hooy- mans at the party (left to right).
Right: Private chat between Arpad Mutsy (Biofungi), Greg Seymour (ISMS, AMGA), Martyna Comte (Euromycel) and Matthew Drew (Consultancy Service) (left to right).
pounds of carbon, lignin, proteins and lipids to create nutrients. It is crucial to mix all these components in the right balance. “In compost you need optimal selectivity, in effect you have to create a niche that can only be utilised by the mushroom. The optimal moisture con- tent and nutrients are essential. Nutri- tion that we can influence by adding supplements.” According to Beyer, choosing the correct supplement to suit the growing method is key, instead of sticking to standard procedures. When adding supplement at inoculation, it is vital to select a supplement with a longer delay effect, so the nutrients are only released when they are needed. “It is important to bear in mind that all the nutrients, and a large part of the water, needed by the mushroom, come from the compost.” Schisler and Caroll have developed a delayed release nutrient supplement, and according to Beyer also a lipids and oil package that can be uti- lised by mushrooms, but not by other moulds. The best results are achieved with products with an average protein content and a high fat content. “It is ab- solutely vital to adapt the supplements to suit the compost, and to mix ex- tremely well. There are fewer risks at- tached to adding supplement to incubated compost, and belter results are obtained, than supplementing at in- oculation.” Finally cultivation adviser Johan Oostvogels, who has many years of service at Hooymans, explained what guest could expect ahead during the guided tour (see text box).
Photos: Hooymans, Roel Dreve, John Peeters. More photos on:
www.mushroombusiness.com
Ñ MUSHROOM BUSINESS 11
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