GAMMA-IRRADIATION EFFECT ON SHELF-LIFE, TEXTURE, POLYPHENOL OXIDASE AND MICROFLORA OF MUSHROOM (AGARICUS-BISPORUS)

An enhancement in the shelf-life of button mushroom (Agaricus bisporus ) up to a period of 10 days could be achieved by the application of a gamma ray dose of 2kGy and storage at 10 degrees C. A study of the qua lity parameters of the mushroom including cap opening, stipe elongatio n, weight loss, surface microbial load, and polyphenol oxidase activit y indicated that the irradiated commodity retained the quality attribu tes required for its acceptability. The irradiated mushroom showed les s brown discoloration compared to non-irradiated controls. The polyphe nol oxidase, responsible for causing browning in stored mushroom, was found to have reduced activity in irradiated mushroom.