Innovation in the production process of composts for special edible mushrooms

• Grant number: 03/12858-8
• Support type: Research Grants - Innovative Research in Small Business - PIPE
• Duration: December 01, 2004 - October 31, 2007
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Agricultural Engineering - Process Engineering of Agricultural Products
• Principal researcher: Denise Terezinha Barnabé Abackerli
• Grantee: Denise Terezinha Barnabé Abackerli
• Company: Zucca Alimentos Ltda. - ME
• City: Salto

Abstract

The consumption of edible mushrooms has been increasing throughout the world, whether because of its high culinary appeal, or its nutritional value, since it contains a high number of proteins and low or non-existent levels of fat. Mushroom production involves the creation of a favorable environment for their development (temperature, humidity, light, air) and a supplement of nutrient material (compost) to help it develop. For its production on a commercial scale, the combination of these factors should allow for the growth of the fungus to be controlled so as to synchronize market supply and demand, imposing additional conditions on the production time and cycle. Research carried out confirms the technical viability of the use of alternative materials in the production of compost and Brazil is a favorable place for these developments, given the abundance of alternative materials. However, the majority of studies limit themselves to concepts on laboratory scale. As a result, this project intends to develop the production process of composts for the (Lentinus edodes) and (Pleurotus ostreatus) shitake species, using alternative low cost materials available in the country. It is further proposed to test the compost with alternative materials for the Oudemansiella canarii (Ruegger, M.J.S. 2001) variety, native to Brazil, assessing in addition its commercial growth in the environment already developed for the cultivation of the hiratake. (AU)