Agaricus bisporus is cultivated on rice or wheat straw. The most suita
ble temperature range for mycelial growth is 23-25 degrees C. Mycelial
growth occurs best at 65-75% humidity whereas fruiting bodies grow be
st at 80-90% humidity. Light is not essential during mycelial growth,
but indirect light is necessary for development of fruiting bodies. Ai
r circulation is required during mycelical elongation and for developm
ent of fruiting bodies. The humidity of the compost bed should be adju
sted to about 75%. The air conditioning system should be used to maint
ain optimum temperatures in spite of heat given off by fermentation of
the compost bed. The harvest period is generally 3-4 months long. The
yield is usually about 50 kg/3.3 m(2).