Thermal and mechanical shocks affecting the first flush of production of Lentinula edodes on Eucalyptus saligna logs

Abstract

The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of thermal and mechanical shocks on the productivity of Lentinula edodes colonized on 140 Eucalyptus saligna logs at different immersion times in water and in the first flush of production. The logs were immersed in water at low temperature (16°C) or environmental temperature (22°C), for 6, 10, 14, 18, 22, 26 and 38 hours. The mechanical shock treatment was accomplished by dropping the logs onto the floor three consecutive times, in a vertical position. Water temperature and immersion time affected L. edodes yield, which increased two to four times when the logs were immersed in cool water for the shortest times (6 and 10 hours). The mechanical shock treatment did not increase the sporophore yield.