Almond mushroom Agaricus Brasiliensis (Wasser et al.) - properties and culture conditions

Abstract

Almond mushroom –Agaricus brasiliensis (Wasser et al.) was discovered and popularised as late as the 20th century. However, it has been known for its exceptional properties in the places of its origin for a long time. Studies have been conducted worldwide for several decades, aiming at the precise determination of these properties and their applicability in medicine. To date it has been proven that almond mushroom extracts exhibit anticancer and antibacterial action, and reduce blood cholesterol level. They are also
useful in the treatment of AIDS, diabetes, hypertension and viral hepatitis. Almond mushroom is a very tasty mushroom with an almond aroma. This species is also characterised by high protein content and low fat content. For appropriate growth and development almond mushroom requires relatively high temperatures and air humidity as well as access of light. However, world literature sources contain limited data concerning the cultivation technology of almond mushroom. In Poland almond mushroom is practically unknown, while its considerable therapeutic properties should be an incentive to initiate more extensive studies.

Full text

Acta Sci. Pol., Hortorum Cultus 12(1) 2013, 27-40
ALMOND MUSHROOM Agaricus brasiliensis (Wasser et al.)
– PROPERTIES AND CULTURE CONDITIONS
Jolanta Lisiecka, Krzysztof Sobieralski, Marek Siwulski,
Agnieszka Jasińska
Poznań University of Life Sciences
Abstract. Almond mushroom – Agaricus brasiliensis (Wasser et al.) was discovered and
popularised as late as the 20th century. However, it has been known for its exceptional
properties in the places of its origin for a long time. Studies have been conducted world-
wide for several decades, aiming at the precise determination of these properties and their
applicability in medicine. To date it has been proven that almond mushroom extracts ex-
hibit anticancer and antibacterial action, and reduce blood cholesterol level. They are also
useful in the treatment of AIDS, diabetes, hypertension and viral hepatitis. Almond mush-
room is a very tasty mushroom with an almond aroma. This species is also characterised
by high protein content and low fat content. For appropriate growth and development al-
mond mushroom requires relatively high temperatures and air humidity as well as access
of light. However, world literature sources contain limited data concerning the cultivation
technology of almond mushroom. In Poland almond mushroom is practically unknown,
while its considerable therapeutic properties should be an incentive to initiate more exten-
sive studies.
Key words: Agaricus blazei, medicinal mushrooms, cultivation, substrate
INTRODUCTION
Almond mushroom – Agaricus brasiliensis (Wasser et al.), sometimes referred to as
A. blazei (Murrill ss. Heinem.) or A. subrufescens (Peck) is an edible mushroom coming
from southern Brazil [Wasser et al. 2002, Dias et al. 2004, Kerrigan 2005]. In Brazil it
is called “Cogumelo do Sol”, in Japan it is “Himematsutake”, “Agarikusutake” and
“Kawarihiratake”, while in China it is known as “Ji Song Rong” [Stamets 2000, Dias et
al. 2004, Firenzuoli et al. 2008, Largeteau et al. 2011]. According to Amazonas [2005]
and Wasser et al. [2002], almond mushroom is a highly attractive mushroom both due
to its medicinal properties and culinary value.
Corresponding author – Adres do korespondencji: Jolanta Lisiecka, Department of Vegetable
Crops, Poznań University of Life Sciences, Dąbrowskiego 159, 60-594 Poznań, Poland, e-mail:
lisica@up.poznan.pl

28 J. Lisiecka, K. Sobieralski, M. Siwulski, A. Jasińska
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Acta Sci. Pol.
Studies on almond mushroom were initiated in mid-1960’s in Japan, where its large-
scale commercial cultivation was started, subsequently popularized in other Far East
countries. For several years this species has been grown also in the United States, Den-
mark and Holland [Mizuno 2000, Stamets 2000, Stijve and Amazonas 2002, Stijve et al.
2002; 2004, Chen 2003, Largeteau et al. 2011]. As it was reported by Dias et al. [2004],
in Brazil the large-scale cultivation of almond mushroom was started as late as 1990. At
present Japan is the biggest producer and consumer of A. brasiliensis [Chen 2003, Dias
et al. 2004].
In recent years this species has been the subject of numerous studies, concerning
first of all its medicinal properties [Watanabe et al. 2002, Dias et al. 2004, Kimura et al.
2004, Souza-Paccola et al. 2004, Kim et al. 2005, Firenzuoli et al. 2008, Ueguchi et al.
2011], which in the opinion of Dias et al. [2004] and Stijve and Amazonas [2002] to
a considerable degree have contributed to the popularization of cultivation of this mush-
room. As it was reported by Ahn et al. [2004] and Yoshimura et al. [2005], fruiting
bodies of A. brasiliensis are used in the prevention of cancer and as a complementary
medication in chemotherapy.
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE SPECIES
Taxonomy and origin of almond mushroom for many years have raised controver-
sies among researchers [Wasser et al. 2002, Kerrigan 2005, Wasser 2011]. This species
is found under different names, most frequently being referred to as Agaricus blazei
Murrill [sensu Heinemann], and recently Agaricus brasiliensis Wasser et al. [Kerrigan
2005, Wasser 2011]. Taxonomically this mushroom is classified to the kingdom Fungi,
division Basidiomycetes, order Agaricales, family Agaricaceae, genus Agaricus
[Wasser et al. 2002, Dias et al. 2004].
Almond mushroom is a medium-sized mushroom, forming caps of 7.5–12 (14) cm
in diameter. Initially the cap is hemispherical, with a slightly undulating and squamu-
lose surface, with the margins splitting with age, it is covered with white spots and its
central part becomes slightly convex. While maturing the cap flattens and its margins
fold upwards, forming a distinct hollow. A mature cap is dark brown and shaped like an
inverted, truncated cone with a smooth surface. In the central part the cap is relatively
thick [up to 1 cm]. Its margin is relatively thin, unfolded, with visible remnants of the
partial veil. Gills are not attached to the stem, relatively dense, thin, of 0.7–0.9 cm in
thickness. Initially they are white to pink in colour. With age they turn light-grey, and
finally chocolate brown or grey-brown. Almond mushrooms form brown spores of
4.2 to 6.3 μm in size. They are oval to ellipsoid and have a smooth surface. The stipe is
white and smooth, set centrally, initially solid it becomes hollow with age, and of
10–13.5 cm in length. It is distinctly bulbous at the base. After the rupture of the partial
veil a membranous annulus is formed, slightly undulating at the margin, being of
1.5–3.5 cm in width. It is clearly visible in mature fruiting bodies. The body is fleshy,
white and has a pleasant mushroomy aroma and a somewhat sweet taste [Wasser et al.
2002].

Almond mushroom Agaricus brasiliensis (Wasser et al.) – properties and culture conditions 29
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Hortorum Cultus 12(1) 2013
Almond mushroom is a saprophytic species, growing well on soils rich in ligno-
cellulose residue [Stamets 2000]. As it was reported by Stamets [2000], Wasser et al.
[2002] and Dias et al. [2004], natural habitats for this species include mixed forests, first
of all their margins, as well as fields in upland and mountainous areas of Brazil and
Peru.
NUTRITIVE VALUE AND MEDICINAL PROPERTIES
In recent years interest in macromycetes as sources of minerals, essential amino ac-
ids, vitamins and dietary fiber has increased significantly [Mattila et al. 2002, Bernaś et
al. 2006]. Moreover, mushrooms supply specific substances with a unique health-
promoting action [Wasser et al. 2000, Lindequist et al. 2005], thus they are frequently
called nutraceutics or nutriceutics and are considered functional food or dietary supple-
ments [Mattila et al. 2000, Camelini et al. 2005, Chang 2008].
Almond mushroom, apart from valuable medicinal properties, also have consider-
able contents of protein, carbohydrates, minerals and low fat contents [Largeteau et al.
2011]. Fruiting bodies of almond mushroom contain 38–45% protein, 38–45% carbo-
hydrates, 3–4% fat and 5–7% minerals, mainly potassium (2.5%), phosphorus (1%) and
magnesium (0.1%) in dry matter [Mizuno 1995, Amazonas 2005]. According to Liu et
al. [2008], 100 g dry matter of fruiting bodies contains 38.5 g protein, 27.7 g carbohy-
drates, 2.6 g fat as well as 2920 mg potassium, 952 mg phosphorus and 96.5 mg magne-
sium. In the contrary, Tsai et al. [2008] found less protein (26%) and fat (2.6%). Studies
showed that fruiting bodies contain also other minerals and vitamins, especially B1, B2,
and niacin [Mizuno 1995, 2002; Amazonas 2005, Liu et al. 2008]. This species is also
rich in amino acids, i.e. glutamic and aspartic acids, as well as alanine and sugars such
as mannitol, trehalose, glucose, fructose and arabitol [Huang 1997, Stamets 2000, Stijve
et al. 2002, Tsai et al. 2008]. Stijve et al. [2002] and Gyorfi et al. [2010] stated that caps
of fruiting bodies have a greater nutritive value than the stipe and mycelium. According
to Mizuno [1995] water accounts for 85–87% fresh fruiting bodies of almond mush-
room. Gyorfi [2007] reported that fruiting bodies of almond mushroom contain less
water than those of white button mushroom (Agaricus bisporus).
Since 1991 almond mushroom has become a very popular dietary supplement
among the Japanese. At present on the Japanese market approx. 100 producers offer
around 20 different supplements, which annual consumption is estimated at 15–20 ton
[Ohno et al. 2011]. As it was reported by Takaku et al. [2001], annual production of
dried fruiting bodies in that country amounts to 100–300 ton, consumed for medicinal
purposes by 300–500 thousand people. In Japan almond mushroom is commonly used
in alternative medicine for its anticancer properties [Takeda and Okumura 2004, Yu-
minamochi et al. 2007].
Compounds exhibiting anticancer action were extracted for the first time from fruit-
ing bodies of almond mushroom by Kawagishi et al. [1989]. Bioactive substances ob-
tained from almond mushroom include e.g. polysaccharides, steroids and lectins [Gon-
zaga et al. 2005, Kimura et al. 2004]. As it was reported by Gyorfi [2007], almond
mushroom contains higher amount of soluble polysaccharides than white button mush-

30 J. Lisiecka, K. Sobieralski, M. Siwulski, A. Jasińska
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Acta Sci. Pol.
room. Studies conducted by Smiderle et al. [2011] showed that polysaccharides of white
button mushroom include first of all mannogalactan, while almond mushroom contains
particularly β-glucans. Moreover, it was found that the amount and diversity of α- and
β-glucans contained in almond mushroom increase with the maturation of fruiting bod-
ies [Camelini et al. 2005, Firenzuoli et al. 2008]. The anticancer activity of polysaccha-
rides contained in fruiting bodies of almond mushroom was confirmed by numerous
researchers [Fujimiya et al. 1998, Mizuno et al. 1999, Novaes et al. 2007, Firenzuoli et
al. 2008, Angeli et al. 2009, Gonzaga et al. 2009]. Moreover, it was shown that polysac-
charides contained in fruiting bodies promote the production of interferon and inter-
leukines [Yuminamochi et al. 2007]. Ergosterol, inhibiting the development of cancer
cells, was detected in almond mushroom [Takaku et al. 2001], along with sodium pyru-
vate, preventing metastasis, and further development of sarcoma-180 [Kimura et al.
2004], as well as agaritine killing leukemia cells [Endo et al. 2010].
As studies have shown, apart from their anticancer properties, extract from fruiting
bodies of almond mushroom also exhibit antibacterial [Bernardshaw et al. 2005], antivi-
ral [Sorimachi et al. 2001] and antiallergenic properties [Ellertsen and Hetland 2009,
Mizuno 2010]. Moreover, it reduces blood cholesterol level, stimulates the immune
system and it is effective in AIDS treatment [Mizuno 2010, Liu et al. 2008, Lima et al.
2011]. It may also be used in the treatment of diabetes, arterial hypertension and viral
hepatitis [Watanabe et al. 2002, Kim et al. 2005, Liu et al. 2008]. Chen and Shao [2006]
showed that extract from fruiting bodies of almond mushroom may be applied as an
adjuvant in different types of vaccines. Numerous studies have shown that it has anti-
oxidant properties [Oliveira et al. 2007, Soares et al. 2009], which do not change under
the influence of gamma radiation [Huang and Mau 2006]. Antimutagenic activity of
extract of this mushroom was confirmed by studies conducted by Menoli et al. [2001]
and Souza-Paccola et al. [2004].
Results of analyses indicate that extract from almond mushroom may be applied in
plant protection against some pathogens [Di Piero et al. 2010] or used in the production
of cosmetics [Hyde et al. 2010]. Ribas et al. [2009] stated the applicability of extract
from the spent substrate of almond mushroom in bioremediation of soil and as a plant
growth biostimulator.
Almond mushroom is a rich source of laccase [Largeteau et al. 2011]. According to
Polak and Jarosz-Wilkołazka [2007], this enzyme participates in the synthesis of new or
transformation of existing chemical compounds. Investigations conducted by
D’Agostini et al. [2011] showed that the content of laccase in almond mushroom de-
pends on the mutual proportions of carbon and nitrogen in the substrate.
Camelini et al. [2005] and Firenzuoli et al. [2008] reported that fruiting bodies of
almond mushroom with open caps are characterised by a greater biological value, since
they contain more glucans and proteins. However, it was not confirmed by other re-
searchers [Bellini et al. 2003, Mourao et al. 2009]. Studies conducted by Mourao et al.
[2011] showed a greater antioxidant activity of fruiting bodies with closed caps.
Fruiting bodies of almond mushroom have an almond aroma, provided by the pres-
ence of benzaldehyde and benzoic acid [Stamets 2000, Stijve et al. 2002, 2004]. As it
was shown by Stijve et al. [2002, 2004] and Amazonas [2005], the content of benzoic
acid in fruiting bodies enhances their post-harvest stability. Fruiting bodies of this Aga-

Almond mushroom Agaricus brasiliensis (Wasser et al.) – properties and culture conditions 31
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Hortorum Cultus 12(1) 2013
ricus contain sodium glutamate, which is responsible for their specific taste defined as
umami [Tsai et al. 2008]. The term ‘umami’ is used to signify a unique and savory taste
sensation that should be ranked as the fifth basic taste along with the four classical basic
taste modalities: sour, sweet, salty and bitter [Marcus 2005]. As it was reported by Chen
[2003], very tasty dishes may be prepared from almond mushroom. According to
Escouto et al. [2005], almond mushroom is a species with a very high culinary potential.
CULTIVATION
Almond mushroom is the so-called secondary saprophyte, developing on partially
processed substrate, in which microorganisms reduced complex ligno-cellulose com-
pounds [Chen 2003]. Numerous authors have shown that due to the similar life cycle in
the cultivation of almond mushroom technologies developed for white button mush-
room may be applied. However, almond mushroom requires high temperature and high
humidity as well as access to light to form fruiting bodies [Chen 2003, Dias et al. 2004,
Siwulski and Sobieralski 2004, Mantovani et al. 2007, Dias 2010]. In Brazil, due to the
advantageous climatic conditions this species is frequently grown outdoors; however, in
other countries – mainly due to its high temperature requirements – such cultivation
system is risky and may only be successful during very warm summers [Stamets 2000,
Siwulski and Sobieralski 2004, Largeteau et al. 2011].
The results of Agaricus cultivation to a considerable degree are determined by the
composition of the substrate. Unfortunately, there is a limited body of data concerning
growing media for almond mushroom cultivation. Frequently producers, particularly in
Brazil and Japan, use substrate with the composition developed for white button mush-
room [Mantovani et al. 2007]. However, both species may respond differently to an
identical substrate composition. For this reason it is essential to develop a substrate
meeting requirements of almond mushroom [Zied et al. 2011]. The primary components
in such a substrate are most frequently locally available materials, subjected to compost-
ing, e.g. agricultural waste rich in ligno-cellulose complexes, i.e. straw, cotton burrs,
grasses, sawdust, enriched with animal manure, poultry dung, wheat or rice bran and
calcium [Iwade and Mizuno 1997, Oei 2003, Pokhrel and Ohga 2007, Horm and Ohga
2008, Siqueira et al. 2009, Largeteau et al. 2011]. Wang et al. [2010] stated the applica-
bility of asparagus post-harvest residue in the cultivation of almond mushroom. In turn,
Gern et al. [2010] successfully applied substrate left after the growing of Pleurotus sp.
with an addition of rice bran. It is fermented during composting, with microbiological
changes and changes in the C:N ratio occurring in the course of the process [Chen
2003]. As it was reported by the same author, during fermentation, typically lasting for
23–25 days, temperature should not exceed 60ºC. A study by Gonzalez Matute et al.
[2011] showed that uncomposted substrate may also be used in the cultivation of al-
mond mushroom.
As it was stated by Siqueira et al. [2011], an adequate addition of nitrogen to the
substrate rich in C considerably improves mycelium growth and quality of fruiting bod-
ies. According to Andrade et al. [2007] and Siqueira et al. [2011], the optimal initial
nitrogen content in the substrate should be 1–1.5%. The selection of the nitrogen source

32 J. Lisiecka, K. Sobieralski, M. Siwulski, A. Jasińska
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Acta Sci. Pol.
is essential, since mushrooms from the division Basidiomycetes do not produce nitrate-
reducing enzymes [Gerrits 1998]. For almond mushroom urea is the best source of ni-
trogen and the most advantageous C:N ratio ranges from 10:1 up to as much as 50:1
[Mantovani et al. 2007]. Table 1 presents examples of different substrates for almond
mushroom growing.
Table 1. Composition of substrate for almond mushroom (composted)
Tabela 1. Skład podłoża uprawowego dla pieczarki brazylijskiej (kompostowane)
Iwade and Mizuno
[1997]
Huang [1997]
Huang [1997] Huang [1997] Oei [2003]
Taiwan
Oei [2003]
Korea
Rice or wheat straw
(357 kg)
wheat straw
(700 kg)
wheat straw
(750 kg)
rice chaff
(850 kg)
rice chaff
(850 kg)
Rice bran
(10 kg)
cotton burrs (125
kg)
sawdust
(700 kg)
urea
(10 kg)
urea
(0.5 kg)
Poultry dung
(15 kg)
dried cattle manure
(150 kg)
ammonium sulfate
(10 kg)
ammonium sulfate
(20 kg)
poultry dung
(63 kg)
Calcium carbonate
(8 kg)
calcium sulfate
(10 kg)
calcium sulfate
(30 kg)
calcium phosphate
(30 kg)
calcium sulfate
(3 kg)
Ammonium sulfate
(10 kg)
calcium phosphate
(10 kg)
calcium phosphate
(10 kg)
potassium sulfate
(8 kg)
calcium phosphate
(2 kg)
Calcium phosphate
(5 kg)
urea
(5 kg)
urea
(5 kg)
calcium carbonate
(25 kg) —
Substrates, particularly those comprising industrial and agricultural waste, contain
considerable amounts of microorganisms [Silva et al. 2009]. In order to eliminate
pathogen infestation the fermented substrate is pasteurised at a temperature of 55–60ºC
[Iwade and Mizuno 1997, Chen 2003]. Pasteurisation lasts for 8–10 h, after which the
substrate is conditioned for 8–12 days at approx. 48ºC [Kopytowski Filho et al. 2006].
As it was reported by Chen [2003], when the substrate temperature drops to 25–35ºC it
is spawned with granular mycelium, placed in the substrate in clusters at every 20 cm at
a depth of approx. 10 cm [Chen 2003]. The amount of granular mycelium used per 1 m2
culture ranges from 0.75 to 1 kg [Chen 2003, Park 2001]. Siqueira et al. [2009] and
Wang et al. [2010] stated that mycelium should comprise from 1 to 2% substrate.
After spawning the substrate needs to be covered by with transparent perforated
plastic film for a period of 7–10 days [Largeteau et al. [2011], which provides ade-
quately high moisture content and access of light [Siwulski and Sobieralski 2004]. In
the incubation period temperature needs to be controlled on a regular basis, as it should
be 25–27°C. Care has to be taken to prevent damage to the culture as a result of exces-
sive heating of the substrate by heat released by the growing mycelium [Chen 2003,
Siwulski and Sobieralski 2004]. Mycelium completely overgrows the substrate after
15–20 days [Park 2001, Chen 2003, Siwulski and Sobieralski 2004, Mendonca et al.
2005]. After the substrate has been overgrown with the mycelium the plastic film needs

Almond mushroom Agaricus brasiliensis (Wasser et al.) – properties and culture conditions 33
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Hortorum Cultus 12(1) 2013
to be removed and a 2.5–5 cm casing layer needs to be spread [Chen 2003, Mendonca et
al. 2005]. Mendonca et al. [2005] reported that the casing layer is spread when the 75%
substrate is overgrown with mycelium. This typically occurs 20 days after spawning
[Chen 2003]. According to Mendonca et al. [2005] and Stamets [2000] peat is the opti-
mal casing layer. In turn, according to Chen [2003] the best casing layer is provided by
fresh soil collected from deeper horizons, free from contaminants, with a high water
holding capacity, friable, with a moisture content of 70–75%. Results of numerous stud-
ies indicate that the composition of the casing layer has a significant effect on the vol-
ume and earliness of yielding [Siqueira et al. 2009, Zied et al. 2010, 2011, Colauto et al.
2010, 2011]. The casing layer surface should be leveled, flat or with furrows of 10 cm
in width, approx. 5 cm in height, spaced at 10–15 cm [Iwade and Mizuno 1997, Chen
2003, Siwulski and Sobieralski 2004]. According to Siwulski and Sobieralski [2004],
the furrowed casing layer surface promotes the formation of a greater number of fruiting
bodies. The first mycelium hyphae are visible on the casing layer surface after 7–10
days [Park 2001], and sometimes after 14 days [Siwulski and Sobieralski 2004] from
casing. After the appearance of hyphae in the cultivation chamber temperature needs to
be lowered by 2–3ºC, which has a positive effect on the formation of fruiting body pri-
mordia, which typically appear after 13–15 days [Park 2001, Siwulski and Sobieralski
2004]. Mendonca et al. [2005] reported that 15 to 20 days pass from casing to the first
harvest. According to Chen [2003], approx. 10 days pass from the moment of setting of
fruiting bodies to the consumption stage, with the entire production cycle lasting for 40
to 60 days.
FACTORS AFFECTING GROWTH AND YIELDING
Almond mushroom has high temperature, lighting and humidity requirements [Park
2001, Chen 2003, Siwulski and Sobieralski 2004]. According to Chang [2008], myce-
lium of this species grows over a relatively wide range of temperatures, i.e. from 15 to
35ºC, while according to Colauto et al. [2008] it is from 22 to 34ºC. In turn, data con-
cerning optimal temperatures are relatively divergent and fall within the following
ranges: 28–31ºC [Colauto et al. 2008], 28–30ºC [Neves et al. 2005], 25–30ºC [Siwulski
and Sobieralski 2004], 25–28ºC [Mendonca et al. 2005], 23–27ºC [Chang 2008] and
20–33ºC [Huang 1997].
As it was reported by Siwulski and Sobieralski [2004], temperature below 20ºC and
above 35ºC inhibits mycelium growth of almond mushroom, while at a temperature of
45ºC the mycelium dies. Largeteau et al. [2011] claimed that a temperature of 4ºC
maintained over a longer period may also destroy mycelium.
In the period of mycelium incubation, i.e. the first stage of cultivation, the tempera-
ture should range from 23 to 27ºC [Huang 1997, Iwade and Mizuno 1997]. In turn,
Stamets [2000] recommended a slightly wider range of temperatures, i.e. from 21 to
27ºC. Mendonca et al. [2005] stated that in the period of mycelium growth temperature
should be maintained within the range of 25–30ºC.
Primordia of fruiting bodies in almond mushroom are formed at 21–25ºC [Huang
1997, Stamets 2000, Mendonca et al. 2005], while fruiting bodies for development

34 J. Lisiecka, K. Sobieralski, M. Siwulski, A. Jasińska
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Acta Sci. Pol.
require a temperature of 23–27C [Stamets 2000]. Largeteau et al. [2011] reported that
providing changing temperatures promotes an increased yielding.
According to Iwade and Mizuno [1997] and Chang [2008], relative humidity during
mycelium growth should be 60–75%. Mendonca et al. [2005] recommended mainte-
nance of humidity within a range of 80 to 85%. In turn, Stamets [2000] and Siwulski
and Sobieralski [2004] suggested 90–100%.
As it was reported by Mendonca et al. [2005], fruiting is induced by increased aera-
tion and increased humidity and substrate moisture content. During the formation of
primordia humidity should remain at 80–90% [Huang 1997, Stamets 2000, Largeteau et
al. 2011], while during the development of fruiting bodies it should be 75–85% [Iwade
and Mizuno 1997, Stamets 2000]. In turn, Chang [2008] recommended, both in the
period of formation and growth of fruiting bodies, humidity at 70–85%.
The concentration of CO2 during mycelium growth in the substrate is not significant.
According to Stamets [2000], it should not exceed 5000 ppm. In the later cultivation
period, particularly during the formation of fruiting body primordia, when as a result of
intensive respiration great amounts of CO2 are formed, its excess should be removed by
regular ventilation [Chen 2003]. Stamets [2000] reported that during primordia forma-
tion the level of CO2 should not exceed 800 ppm, while during the formation of fruiting
bodies – 2000 ppm, respectively.
Mycelium in the period of substrate overgrowing does not require light; however,
studies conducted by Park [2001] showed that at access of light mycelium grows faster.
As it was reported by Stamets [2000], lighting is necessary during the formation of
primordia and growth of fruiting bodies. Horm and Ohga [2008] in the period of fruiting
applied light with an intensity of 500 lux for 12 h, but mushrooms developed equally
well with no access of light.
Table 2. Factors affecting growth and yielding of almond mushroom
Tabela 2. Czynniki wpływające na wzrost grzybni i plonowanie pieczarki brazylijskiej
Factor – Czynnik Mycelium growth
Wzrost grzybni
Primordia formation
Formowanie zawiązków
Fruiting bodies
development
Rozwój owocników
Temperature
Temperatura, ºC
21–27[7]
23–27[2, 3]
25–30[5]
21–25[2, 5, 7] 23–27[7]
Relative air humidity
Względna wilgotność
powietrza, %
60–75 [1, 3]
80–85[5]
90–100[6, 7]
70–85[1]
80–90[2, 4, 7]
70–85[1]
75–85[3, 7]
CO2 concentration
Stężenie CO2 , ppm < 5000[7] < 800[7] < 2000[7]
1 – [Chang 2008], 2 – [Huang 1997], 3 – [Iwade and Mizuno 1997], 4 – [Largeteau et al. 2011], 5 – [Mendon-
ca et al. 2005], 6 – [Siwulski and Sobieralski 2004], 7 – [Stamets 2000]
Substrate reaction should be pH 6–7, while too acid or too basic media inhibit myce-
lium growth [Park 2001]. According to Colauto et al. [2008], mycelium development in
almond mushroom is distinctly inhibited at pH below 3 and above 8. As it was reported

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Hortorum Cultus 12(1) 2013
by Kopytowski Filho et al. [2008], the application of substrate and casing layer at pH
7.0–7.5 contributes to growth of fruiting bodies in almond mushroom and at the same
time inhibits the development of competitive mushrooms, particularly Trichoderma spp.
Table 2 presents some factors affecting growth and yielding of almond mushroom.
In Brazil the greatest losses in the cultivation of almond mushroom are caused by
pests, particularly from the genus Lycoriella, as well as pathogens from the genera
Diehliomyces, Trichoderma, Chaetomium and Papulospora, as well as a species Copri-
nus comatus. They originate first of all from an inappropriately prepared substrate and
a lack of adequate hygiene during cultivation [Mendonca et al. 2005].
HARVEST OF FRUITING BODIES AND YIELD VOLUME
Harvest of fruiting bodies in almond mushroom is started when the partial veil is
still unbroken and the cap is convex [Park 2001, Chen 2003, Siwulski and Sobieralski
2004]. Breaking of the partial veil and spilling of maturing spores deteriorate the quality
of fruiting bodies [Chen 2003].
After harvest fruiting bodies of almond mushroom, whole or sliced, are dried for ap-
prox. 40 h [Chen 2003]. Initially the temperature of 40–50ºC is maintained for 1–2 h
and next it is increased every hour by 1–2ºC [Park 2001]. Kopytowski Filho et al.
[2006] reported high weight loss of fruiting bodies after drying – from 10 kg to approx.
1 kg. Stamets [2000], in order to extend shelf life of fruiting bodies, recommended their
immediate cooling after harvest.
In comparison to other species from the genus Agaricus, yielding of almond mush-
room is relatively low [Largeteau et al. 2011]. Zhou et al. [2010] from 1 m2 culture
obtained the amount of 9 kg fresh fruiting bodies. Kopytowski Filho et al. [2006] re-
ported that the yield of this Agaricus species is 8–17 kg · m-2. Yielding may last as long
as 3–4 mouths, in 4–5 flushes [Chen 2003, Siwulski and Sobieralski 2004], within the
intervals of approx. 10 days [Chen 2003]. In a study conducted by Mendonca et al.
[2005] almond mushroom yielded for 50–80 days, in 2–3 flushes, while the entire cul-
ture cycle was 90–120 days. The cultivation cycle in a study by Zied et al. [2010] lasted
from 70 to 100 days. Kopytowski Filho et al. [2006] stated that under controlled cultiva-
tion conditions the culture cycle of almond mushroom may be reduced to 70–90 days.
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PIECZARKA BRAZYLIJSKA Agaricus brasiliensis (Wasser et al.)
– WŁAŚCIWOŚCI ORAZ WARUNKI UPRAWY
Streszczenie. Pieczarka brazylijska – Agaricus brasiliensis (Wasser et al.) została odkryta
i spopularyzowana dopiero w XX w. Jednak od dawna znana była w miejscu swego po-
chodzenia z niezwykłych właściwości. Na świecie od kilkudziesięciu lat prowadzone są
badania, których celem jest pełne poznanie tych własności i możliwość ich wykorzystania
w medycynie. Do tej pory udowodniono, że wyciągi z pieczarki brazylijskiej wykazują
działanie antynowotworowe, antybakteryjne, redukują poziom cholesterolu we krwi. Po-
mocne są także w leczeniu AIDS, cukrzycy, nadciśnienia i wirusowego zapalenia wątro-
by. Pieczarka brazylijska jest bardzo smacznym grzybem o migdałowym aromacie. Cha-
rakteryzuje się między innymi wysoką zawartością białka oraz niską zawartością tłuszczu.
Dla prawidłowego wzrostu oraz rozwoju gatunek ten wymaga stosunkowo wysokiej tem-
peratury i wilgotności powietrza oraz dostępu światła. Literatura światowa zawiera jednak
niewiele danych dotyczących technologii uprawy pieczarki brazylijskiej. W Polsce pie-
czarka brazylijska jest praktycznie grzybem nieznanym, którego znaczące właściwości
lecznicze powinny skłonić do podjęcia szerszych badań.
Słowa kluczowe: Agaricus blazei, grzyby lecznicze, uprawa, podłoże
Accepted for print – Zaakceptowano do druku: 20.06.2012