New substrate ideas.

Our theme articles this month offer a glimpse into the future as authors consider redesigning growing systems and recycling substrate materials.

Non-composted Grain-based Substrate for Mushroom Production: An Update by M. A. Bechara, P. Heinemann, P.N. Walker and C.P. Romaine reviews research that eliminates the composting step in the mushroom production process. Studies show that non-composted substrates are as productive as composted substrates in terms of yield and bioefficiency. The article looks at milestones in mushroom production history, substrate formulations and describes an aseptic processing system based on segmented-flow technology. An illustration of the system and an analysis of the processes occurring through four sections are explained.

Glen Babcock says that raw materials for mushroom production can be reused in Recycled Substrate in Specialty Mushroom Production. A research project was undertaken when usable sawdust in the Montana area was in short supply. The study shows that sawdust and straw-based Spent Mushroom Substrate (SMS) contain valuable nutrients that can be recycled and used again for a new crop of specialty mushrooms. Recycled material that was used continuously for five years was combined at various rates with fresh substrate. Fresh and recycled substrate formulas, analysis of materials and spawn run data are given. As the disposal of SMS becomes a problem for all mushroom growers, it makes good environmental and economic sense to recycle.

The AMI Chairman's Year End Report by Pete Gray highlights all the activities and accomplishments of the association and includes reports on conferences, pesticide registrations, committees and legislative news. It also makes note of a Food Safety Task Force convened in the spring to evaluate existing standards and to discuss the development of an industry-wide food safety plan. More meetings and workshops will be held and members will be asked to participate.

Publicity and promotional efforts are highlighted in the Mushroom Council Update. New nutrition and foodservice brochures along with sales presentation materials are now available. The Council's partnership with Bob Greene's Best Life Diet and the television coverage of it on "The Oprah Winfrey Show" have helped generate more than 500 million impressions with consumer and trade audiences.

Industry News shares an announcement from Sylvan Inc. that its President and Chief Executive Officer, Dennis C. Zensen, retired in June. Zensen will stay on as a member of Sylvan's Board of Directors and will play an advisory role in the company.

--Sara Manning, Mushroom News Editor