BioOne.org will be down briefly for maintenance on 17 December 2024 between 18:00-22:00 Pacific Time US. We apologize for any inconvenience.
How to translate text using browser tools
20 May 2024 Use of nonnative, invasive tree logs for commercial mushroom production
Kristen E. Bowers, Stephen D. Hight, Neil W. Miller, Alexander M. Gaffke, Jennifer E. Taylor
Author Affiliations +
Abstract

Removal and disposal of nonnative trees is expensive and time-consuming. Using these nonnative trees as a substrate to produce edible mushrooms could diversify farming operations and provide additional income to small-scale farmers. This research compared the production of shiitake mushrooms (Lentinula edodes) on nonnative tree logs to shiitake mushroom production on native oak (Quercus L.) logs, which are the traditional substrate. In a 2-yr study, we evaluated nonnative tree species as alternate substrates for growing shiitake mushrooms at farms in northern Florida and southern Georgia. A mix of native Quercus spp. and nonnative trees was targeted for removal on participating farms. Five nonnative tree species were initially tested for their ability to produce edible mushrooms, either shiitake or oyster (Pleurotus ostreatus var. florida). Of the nonnative trees we tested: Chinaberry (Melia azedarach L.), Chinese tallowtree [Triadica sebifera (L.) Small], silktree (Albizia julibrissin Durazz.), earleaf acacia (Acacia auriculiformis A. Cunn. ex Benth.), and paperbark tree [Melaleuca quinquenervia (Cav.) S.F. Blake], only T. sebifera produced shiitake mushrooms, and none produced native Florida oyster mushrooms. In on-farm trials, Quercus spp. logs produced more total mushrooms and more mushrooms per log and had a higher total mushroom yield per log. However, mushrooms produced on T. sebifera logs had higher mean weight per mushroom. Edible fungi can be used to recycle invasive, nonnative T. sebifera and transform their biomass from waste into an income-producing resource.

Kristen E. Bowers, Stephen D. Hight, Neil W. Miller, Alexander M. Gaffke, and Jennifer E. Taylor "Use of nonnative, invasive tree logs for commercial mushroom production," Invasive Plant Science and Management 17(2), 79-85, (20 May 2024). https://doi.org/10.1017/inp.2024.12
Received: 23 January 2024; Accepted: 2 May 2024; Published: 20 May 2024
KEYWORDS
Chinese tallowtree
nonnative trees
on-farm research
shiitake mushrooms
sustainable Agriculture
RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS
Get copyright permission
Back to Top