MushroomLink Bulletin October 2024
In this edition:
NEW ISSUE OF MUSHROOMLINK: The Spring issue is out now
THAT’S A WRAP: NZ conference
UPDATED WEBSITE: Our updated site makes finding what you need easier
MARKETING CAMPAIGN LAUNCH: Missed out? Recording link available to Australian growers
MUSHROOM FUND ANNUAL INVESTMENT PLAN: Available to download
MUSHROOM HEALTH SCIENCE WEBSITE: Launching this Thursday
MushroomLink Magazine Issue 10
We hope you enjoy this issue, with its usual mix of R&D news, the latest in technology from around the world, and pest and disease updates.
You can subscribe to an e-copy of MushroomLink magazine here or view previous issues here
Click here to download the magazine
Articles
Levy funded project updates
Marketing
Growing & Tech
Pest & Diseases
Nutrition and Food Safety
Post harvest
Dr Agaricus and ethylene
Ethylene gas is both a friend and a foe of fresh produce. Traditionally, mushrooms were believed to be insensitive to ethylene, but recent research suggests otherwise. Studies show that ethylene exposure can accelerate mushroom deterioration, affecting browning and cap opening. Promising treatments using 1-MCP, cinnamon essential oil, and (ethylene absorbing) potassium permanganate have shown the potential to slow these effects and extend shelf life. With more research underway, we may soon better understand ethylene's role in mushroom quality during storage and retail.
Imported enoki mushrooms and contamination by Listeria monocytogenes
The bacterial pathogen Listeria monocytogenes can cause severe disease in susceptible populations. As a result of stringent hygiene practices on Australian farms there have been no recorded detections of the bacteria in more than 8 years and 160 tests of Agaricus mushrooms However, the same cannot be said for imported enoki mushrooms, with frequent detections of this dangerous microbe both here and overseas. Find out why and how imported enoki mushrooms get contaminated, and the best option for you to stay safe.
Measuring mushroom quality - Subjective vs objective quality assessment
A mushroom that looks perfectly good to one person may be substandard to another. There is a lot of talk about shelf life testing and quality – but how do we define the end of shelf life for a mushroom? How can we ensure consistency when different people are reporting on quality at different times? In this article, we discuss some methods to help turn subjective into objective.
Media and marketing update May to September 2024
Australian Mushrooms will be launching a new campaign to drive top of mind awareness and consideration amongst light – medium buyers. Live from October, the campaign will include Digital TV, Broadcast Radio, PaidSocial Media, Earned Media (including activity in Mushroom Month and celebratingSummer), Retail Outdoor, Digital Audio and Retail Media.
Mushroom people development strategy
Like many industries across Australia, the mushroom industry is facing challenges in attracting, developing and retaining labour, including skilled and specialist workers. The industry has also been challenged by significant consolidation in recent years.To address this issue, the mushroom industry’s first People Development Strategy was developed to provide a plan for workforce development in the industry.
Nutritional powerhouse: The final year of Australian Mushrooms’ MU20003 project
As this ambitious three-year Hort Innovation mushroomR&D levy investment MU20003 (Educating the food industry about Australian Mushrooms), enters its final year, the industry is buzzing with anticipation on the results of the first institutional case studies. This project, centred on educating the food sector about the unique nutritional benefits of Australian grown Agaricus bisporus mushrooms, has been a significant undertaking aimed at transforming menus acrossAustralia.
Studying the microscopic metropolis
Dr Michael Kertesz and Dr Meghann Thai, together with Honours project students, have been studying the microbiological goings-on inside mushroom compost, seeking to understand species diversity and richness, nutrient pathways, nutrient inputs/losses and a whole lot more. These comprehensive investigations have yielded a wealth of data that provides valuable insights into the diverse, rich, and varied processes taking place in compost. By understanding processes that are invisible to the naked eye, this research opens a window into their complexity and significance.
Red pepper mites - A vector of Trichoderma Aggressivum
Compost green mould is a virulent disease of mushroom cultivation systems that is persistent and extremely difficult to completely eradicate. Severe infections can result in complete crop failure and be financially devastating for the business. This article describes the relationship between red pepper mites and T. aggressivum, and considers other factors that help perpetuate compost green mould.
KENON MUSHROOMS:Pioneering innovation in Australian exotic mushroom production
With the current landscape of consumer behaviour heavily impacted by the cost of living crisis, brands must adapt their marketing strategies to stay competitive. Aligned with the 2022-2026 Mushroom Fund Strategic Investment Plan (SIP), the Hort Innovation marketing team has devised a new three-pillar strategy. The key components of the strategy are win the mind, win at point of purchase and win the future.
Established in 2005, Kenon Mushrooms has grown from a boutique operation into Queensland’s largest Asian mushroom producer.
Shaking up the way oyster mushrooms are produced in Australia, Kenon inoculate 2000-5000 bags per week (available for sale to other exotic growers). With locally made bags, inoculated with Kenon’s own spawn, these are some of Australia’s only truly home grown oyster mushrooms, with a yield of up to 300g oyster per 1kg substrate from the first flush.
Read more about Kenon Mushrooms and their innovations in MushroomLink Issue 10
The Future of Casing
As the future of imported casing material is uncertain, a recent Hort Innovation levy-funded project reviewed the viability of existing alternatives and new research into future materials.
As the future of imported casing material is uncertain, a recent Hort Innovation levy-funded project reviewed the viability of existing alternatives and new research into future materials.
Best Practice in Mushroom Supply Chains
Recently contracted project MU22011 is developing guidelines for best practice management within mushroom supply chains, from farm to retail store. The project aim is to ensure that shoppers are presented with fresh, unbruised, and all-round glamorous mushrooms every time they go shopping (Figure 1). With many, if not most, purchases decided in store, good quality is a key strategy to reverse recent drops in sales.
Recently contracted project MU22011 is developing guidelines for best practice management within mushroom supply chains, from farm to retail store. The project aim is to ensure that shoppers are presented with fresh, unbruised, and all-round glamorous mushrooms every time they go shopping. With many, if not most, purchases decided in store, good quality is a key strategy to reverse recent drops in sales.
Food Safety Update; Harps and Compost
Stringent food safety requirements have left some Mushroom farmers concerned regarding the requirements for compost pasteurisation. The Australian Mushroom growers association has collated evidence around the typical composting process, including information on included times and temperatures used, plus supporting data demonstrating that this eliminated human pathogens.
After submission to the HARPS stakeholder committee, this composting process has now been formally recognised as an alternate treatment process.
Stringent food safety requirements have left some Mushroom farmers concerned regarding the requirements for compost pasteurisation. The Australian Mushroom growers association has collated evidence around the typical composting process, including information on included times and temperatures used, plus supporting data demonstrating that this eliminated human pathogens.
After submission to the HARPS stakeholder committee, this composting process has now been formally recognised as an alternate treatment process.
Recent Advances in Managing Trichoderma
Trichoderma is a genus of fungi found in virtually every soil, everywhere, and is often the number one enemy of the healthy, productive mushroom farm. New research is now shedding light on not only why this fungus is such a problem during Agaricus production, but also some potential new control strategies.
Trichoderma is a genus of fungi found in virtually every soil, everywhere, and is often the number one enemy of the healthy, productive mushroom farm. New research is now shedding light on not only why this fungus is such a problem during Agaricus production, but also some potential new control strategies.
AI isn’t just for harvesting - a new home grown tech start up
Combining an interest in mycology with 30 years’ experience as a mathematician, grower John Ward was eager to apply his knowledge in the growing rooms of his exotic mushroom farm nestled in Victoria’s high country. John has helped developed AI technology that can monitor mushroom growth stages through image recognition and sensors.
Combining an interest in mycology with 30 years’ experience as a mathematician, grower John Ward was eager to apply his knowledge in the growing rooms of his exotic mushroom farm nestled in Victoria’s high country. John has helped developed AI technology that can monitor mushroom growth stages through image recognition and sensors.
Foaming
This month, our resident Doctor Agaricus was asked about foaming, a disease spotted in Europe.
Foaming is as an abiotic disorder that mainly affects the Heirloom variety marketet by Amcel. We asked Tim Harker from Amycel UK and Ireland to help explain what it is, and if it could be a problem in Australia.
This month, our resident Doctor Agaricus was asked about foaming, a disease spotted in Europe.
Foaming is as an abiotic disorder that mainly affects the Heirloom variety marketet by Amcel. We asked Tim Harker from Amycel UK and Ireland to help explain what it is, and if it could be a problem in Australia.
Australian Mushrooms FY25 Marketing Strategy
Monique Emmi, Marketing Manager at Hort Innovation, presented the key facts that informed the FY25 marketing strategy and the pillars that are the focus of the up-coming marketing plan.
Other resources
Educating on the benefits of mushrooms in health care settings
Collaborating with research partner FOODiQ (formally NRAUS) and chef Adam Moore, the AMGA has engaged two leading examples of the institutional food sector to educate food and health care professionals about the unique nutritional benefits of Australian-grown Agaricus bisporus mushrooms.
Collaborating with research partner FOODiQ (formally NRAUS) and chef Adam Moore, the AMGA has engaged two leading examples of the institutional food sector to educate food and health care professionals about the unique nutritional benefits of Australian-grown Agaricus bisporus mushrooms.
New Three Pillar Strategy to Guide Marketing in FY2025
With the current landscape of consumer behaviour heavily impacted by the cost of living crisis, brands must adapt their marketing strategies to stay competitive. Aligned with the 2022-2026 Mushroom Fund Strategic Investment Plan (SIP), the Hort Innovation marketing team has devised a new three-pillar strategy. The key components of the strategy are win the mind, win at point of purchase and win the future.
With the current landscape of consumer behaviour heavily impacted by the cost of living crisis, brands must adapt their marketing strategies to stay competitive. Aligned with the 2022-2026 Mushroom Fund Strategic Investment Plan (SIP), the Hort Innovation marketing team has devised a new three-pillar strategy. The key components of the strategy are win the mind, win at point of purchase and win the future.
