supplementation at casing time using a nitrogen and hemicellulose based supplement which is showing promise. They are also looking at improving the performance of Euromycel 58 so that it gives better bio-transformation of the compost leading to heavier mushrooms. After lunch I spoke about compost green mould caused by Trichoderma aggressivum in bulk Phase 3 compost, summarising results from the recently completed EU-funded MushTV project (
www.mushtv.eu). The Trichoderma work was done by Mairead Kilpatrick from AFBI, Helen Grogan and Caoimhe Fleming-Archibald from Teagasc and Roland Mumm and Johan Baars from PRI. Three important facts emerged from the research: (1) A small localised infection of T. aggressivum (compost green mould) in a phase 3 tunnel can contaminate a whole batch of compost during the tunnel emptying and bulk handling process causing 100% yield loss. (2) Conveyors and machinery contaminated with T. aggressivum can also infect clean Phase 3 compost from a second tunnel and cause variable levels of yield loss and (3) Out of 12 disinfectant types tested (including formalin) NO DISINFECTANT killed T. aggressivum in compost fragments after 60 minutes contact. These results help explain why T. aggressivum can have such an impact.
The final talk was given by Bart de Leeuw from MCSubstradd on Nitrogen in Compost. His talk focussed on what type of N was important in compost to provide nutrition to the mushroom mycelium. Mushrooms are heterotrophic organisms, getting their nutrition by breaking down organic matter. Nitrogen in organic matter can be present as “Real Protein” (composed of amino acids – the building blocks of all proteins), or bound up in other organic forms such as lignin-humus complex or chitin, which
are less available. If compost N from spawning to end of crop is measured in terms of Real Protein and other N sources, the amount of Real Protein drops considerably, while other organic N sources increase (e.g. fungal chitin content will increase with mycelial growth). Thus it looks like fungal mycelium uses Real Protein (ami- no-acids) rather than other organic N sources for growth. This suggests that the type of N in compost and supplements is more important than the total N content. This information should guide future research into N sources in compost and supplements for maximum growth.
Group Discussion
The workshop finished with small groups trying to answer key questions. The first of these was “How can we increase compost efficiency?”. Suggestions included more long term research on limiting factors in compost, more informa- tion on hemicellulose and cellulose degradation, as well as better use of existing data. A second question asked “What are the threats for the compost industry?”. Participants identified Food Safety issues as an ever present potentially serious threat for the whole industry. There was agreement that the industry needs to be pro-ac- tive in addressing such issues in collaboration as they affect everyone. Other threats include problems with raw material availability, spent compost as well as oversupply in the market. Another is the shortage of young people in the industry as well as a shortage of young people as consumers.
I certainly appreciated the opportunity to meet and network with a compost-focussed group of professionals. It is heartening to see companies sharing information in this way, as it genuinely fosters good relationships and advancement of the industry.
Participants of the NIR conference in Lukow.
MUSHROOM BUSINESS 17
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