CULTIVATION OF FUKUROTAKE (VOLVARIELLA SP.) MUSHROOMS

The fukurotake (Volvariella volvacea) is a mushroom cultivated in the tropical region of Southeast Asia. This mushroom can be easily cultiva ted on rice straw in a simple vinyl greenhouse during the hot seasons. Volvariella volvacea is very delicious and has an unusual flavor. It is mainly used in Chinese cooking. Volvariella volvacea is sensitive t o its environment. No growth of fruiting bodies is found under 25 degr ees C. The suitable season for growing fukurotake is from May to Septe mber in warm areas, and from June to August in cool areas of Japan. Be cause this mushroom likes sunlight, fruiting bodies develop well in br ight sunlight.