The Biology and Cultivation of Edible Mushrooms

Book excerpt: The Biology and Cultivation of Edible Mushrooms emphasizes the biological and cultivation aspects of edible mushrooms. This book refers to edible mushrooms as epigeous and hypogeous fruiting bodies of macroscopic fungi that are commercially cultivated or grown in half-culture processes or potentially implanted under controlled conditions. The topics discussed include the morphology and classification of edible mushrooms; cryogenic freezing of mushroom spawn; spawning and mycelium growth; and cultivation of Pleurotus. The geographic distribution of truffles; potential cultivation of various edible fungi; and economics of cultivated mushrooms are also elaborated. This publication is intended for experienced mushroom specialists, seasoned commercial growers, and biology students who are interested in edible mushrooms.