BELGIUM
Patrick Sedeyn explains
research into pests in the new quaran- tine rooms.
Two new bunkers for research into phase I compost.
all aspects of the composting and growing cycles. Sedeyn: “Until now, our compost supplier provided prepared phase 1 compost. Thanks to the new facilities, we can now perform our own studies into the blend of the initial raw materi- als, the decomposition process of the straw component (soaking so it can absorb more moisture) and test innovative raw materials for their suitability for mushroom growing. The two new test bunkers for phase I are unique: they are equipped with heatable walls and mobile partitioning, and enable all the phase 1 proces- ses to be closely monitored and studied. The phase II tunnels has also been completely renovated and also have mobile partitions so parallel trials can be run in a single tunnel.”
Construction of the new bunkers, equipped
with heatable walls and mobile partitio- ning (photo Inagro).
Bridging theory and practice The key tasks of the edible mushroom depart- ment at Inagro are research with a focus on practical implementation and providing advice. The trial station has supported the sector for many years with research into aspects such as cultivation methods and reducing cropping cycles. “One of the major studies, the findings of which are still applied today and followed internationally, is the temperature and time development during the conditioning phase”, explains Patrick Sedeyn. “We examine the decomposition of ammonia and the binding of easily decomposable nutrients in the compost after conditioning.”
The choice of variety and crop protection are also subjects high on the priority list at the trial centre. “Prior to the nineties, varieties that pinned easily and produced small mushrooms were mainly favoured. The picking performance with these varieties was just around 10 kg/hour. Today growers mainly use varieties that produce medium-sized mushrooms. They also want a good harvest spread so they can graze pick the beds over a number of weeks. The ultimate aim is maximum yields with a minimum of picking costs.”
Secondly, more knowledge on how to improve the quality of compost is essential. “We are on a permanent quest to find alternative raw materi- als for mushroom growing. In the future, growers will have to depend less on expensive and exhaustible sources of raw materials like peat.” And thirdly, the continually evolving landscapes of agriculture and horticulture require the necessary flexibility and multi-functionality of the research infrastructure. On the sector’s request, Inagro has provided the research centre with all the facilities necessary for research into
16 MUSHROOM BUSINESS
Every grower can call on Inagro for (paid) extension services on subjects including cultivation advice, help with certification and analyses of compost, mushrooms and spent mushroom compost. The department also performs exploratory research for policy making institutes. Many suppliers in the private sector also use Inagro’s services to have promising results laboratory tested under practical conditions. And finally, the edible mushroom department also welcomes interested visitors and students.
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