CULTIVATION OF TSUKURITAKE, OCCIDENT MUSHROOM (AGARICUS-BISPORUS)

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).