Growth and Production of Shiitake Mushrooms on Lignocellulosic Waste Materials

Shiitake mushrooms have not previously been cultivated on a large scale in South Dakota. This research project was, therefore, conducted to generate baseline information about the growth and mushroom production potential of L. edodes on agricultural and forestry residues available in the state. It was anticipated that this information could then be used as a basis upon which further research projects could be designed, with the ultimate goal of establishing a shiitake mushroom production industry in South Dakota. In order to accomplish this goal of defining the baseline metabolic requirements and characteristics of L. edodes, the project addressed five main questions: 1. What are the general morphological characteristics and growth rates of different strains of L. edodes on various agar media? 2. What media and environmental conditions are best suited for maintaining shiitake culture collections at this facility? 3. What liquid media provides the best submerged culture growth of L. edodes? 4. Can shiitake mushrooms be produced on substrate materials found in South Dakota? 5. Can shiitake production be used as an aid in biodegradation of waste materials? Answers to these questions were based on, and developed from, the data gathered in the three phases of this experiment