INOCULATION OF SCYTALIDIUM-THERMOPHILUM IN BUTTON MUSHROOM COMPOST AND ITS EFFECT ON YIELD

Scytalidium thermophilum isolates in culture, as well as the endogenou s strain(s) in mushroom compost, were inactivated at 70 degrees C. Thi s temperature was used to pasteurize composts for experiments. Of nine thermophilic fungal species, only S. thermophilum and Myriococcum the rmophilum grew well on pasteurized compost in test tubes. The effect o f both species on the crop yield of Agaricus bisporus mushrooms was st udied. In solid-state fermentation rooms called tunnels, compost was p asteurized and inoculated. After incubation, the inoculated organisms were reisolated and counted, showing their successful colonization. Th e yield of mushrooms on inoculated composts was almost twice that on t he pasteurized control. This result demonstrates the effectiveness of S. thermophilum in compost preparation. Inoculation is not necessary f or traditional compost preparation. Naturally occurring strains of S. thermophilum, present in ingredients, readily colonize compost during preparation. Inoculation may be vital if compost is pretreated at a hi gh temperature in tunnels. This finding is of relevance for the enviro nmentally controlled production of high-yielding compost.