MU21004 - Marsh Lawson Mushroom Research Centre of Excellence
Key research provider: The University of Sydney and Applied Horticultural Research
What's it all about?
Following on from the previous levy investment Marsh Lawson Research Centre (MU16004), which began in 2017, this project supports the running and development of the Marsh Lawson Mushroom Research Centre (MLMRC) at the University of Sydney. The MLMRC is a world-class facility dedicated to mushrooms, and the research that takes place there will help the mushroom industry drive innovation, adopt best practices and tackle issues while encouraging new expertise in the industry.
There is a steering committee for the centre and its work, which has aligned the operation of the MLMRC to the Mushroom Fund’s Strategic Investment Plan and will help progress research needs and ideas that will be fulfilled through the centre.
The main objectives of the project remain strongly aligned with those of the previous project:
Maintenance and management of the current Marsh Lawson Mushroom Research Unit at the Darlington Campus, University of Sydney, to promote and carry out active research on all aspects of the growing and cropping of mushrooms.
Provision of research leadership to the mushroom industry, consulting with the industry to prioritise industry research needs through the MLMRC Steering Committee and providing targeted advice on mushroom-related research to the Mushroom Strategic Investment Advisory Panel (SIAP).
Supporting the transition to a new mushroom research facility at a site to be identified when this becomes available.
The Industry testing program: Rebooted!
Written By: Dr Jenny Ekman
TESTING TO PROVE, OR TESTING TO IMPROVE?
Among the seemingly endless list of compliance requirements that all fresh produce businesses face, verification testing is often questioned from both a cost and value perspective. “Why do we have to test” is a common question, and for most, the answer would be “because our customers say we have to”. While the answer is not wrong, the driver for compliance is misguided.
Anyone in the business of growing and supplying food to consumers understands that consumers trust the food they buy is safe and rely on the integrity of both process and product.
The seemingly endless range of testing for heavy metals, chemical residues and microbial contamination won’t itself make the product safer. However, it will provide assurance and surety that the processes followed deliver a product that is free from residues and safe to eat, factors that are critically important at a business, industry and ultimately customer level.
The Testing Program
For some years now, the Australian Mushroom Growers’ Association (AMGA) has organised competitively priced testing of fresh mushrooms and inputs (water, compost) for members. The testing commenced in the early 2000s, with the program including all the microbial, chemical residue and heavy metal tests required by food safety certification programs.
As well as providing keen pricing, the advantage of using the industry program is that all test results are reviewed and reported back accompanied by an explanation of what they mean. In other words, whether any of the results raised concerns and what should happen next if they did.
The de-identified results gathered through the program over the last 15 years are also a valuable resource for the industry as a whole. For example, from 186 tests of fresh mushrooms in the previous five years, there has been only a single detection of E. coli (which was <100 CFU/g), no detections of Salmonella spp. and no detections of Listeria monocytogenes.
Such data provides objective, defensible evidence that growers are following good practices and mushrooms are safe to eat.
Until now, the on-request testing procedure was that growers downloaded a form from the AMGA website, filled it in and sent it back to the Association. A request would then be made for a test kit to be sent to the grower from the lab. The grower took the samples, filled in the analysis request form, and returned it to the lab for testing. While this has worked well enough, it certainly added unnecessary steps in the process, an extra layer of complexity and, therefore, an opportunity for error.
Now, with the support of levy-funded project MU20000 - Extension and Adoption for Food Safety, Quality and Risk Management, every mushroom business can conduct one full suite of chemical and microbial tests each year – for FREE.
The testing on fresh mushrooms includes chemical residues (CR006), heavy metals (ESM-02) and microbial contamination (E. coli, Salmonella spp and L. monocytogenes). The program also includes a water test for E. coli (CFU/100ml).
This industry-wide service is designed to encourage verification testing to support individual businesses. It will also strengthen the pool of de-identified test data available, helping identify and manage potential risks.
The Process
Simply email your request to the Food Safety (FS) project team, and the kit will arrive in the mail accompanied by instructions, a pre-filled analysis request form and a return pre-paid satchel.
This new system also means that absolute confidentiality is ensured regarding the results. Only the FS project team will know which grower code links to which individual farm.
Again, results will be accompanied by an interpretation of what they mean. For efficiency, testing through this program will be available three times a year. The first round of free testing will commence at the start of April. The following testing rounds will be in August and December.
Email Dr Jenny Ekman to receive your FREE chemical, microbial and heavy metal test kit, helping the industry demonstrate the high standards of Australian mushrooms and providing you with the data you need for an audit.
The current testing program arrangements will continue for those businesses who need to test other inputs or test more frequently. This will now follow the new and improved administrative process.
An updated cost schedule will be available on request.
Lessons from chemical and heavy metal testing
Just like forensic investigators on TV, chemical residue or heavy metal test results can provide vital information on inputs such as compost and compost ingredients, supplements and chemicals.
When residues are detected, they are usually well below the maximum residue level (MRL). However, when there are detections, it is worth considering at what percentage of the MRL they are and reviewing factors such as inputs, use patterns and application rates. this approach ensures total control of products and processes, in the most cost-effective way.
Lessons from microbial testing
Close monitoring of microbial test results can often pre-empt an issue before it becomes a problem. Indicator organisms detected at low levels in products or inputs can help identify issues with infrastructure, cleaning and hygiene practices.
A problem understood is a problem solved, and testing produces the opportunity for this understanding
This article was originally published in the 1st issue 2022 edition of the Australian Mushrooms Journal
MU17008 - Understanding and managing the impacts of climate change on Australian mushroom production
Key research provider: Applied Horticultural Research
Climate variability and change present a range of potential risks to the technical and economic viability of Australian mushroom growers, compost producers and support industries. This short project, which ran from 2019 to 2020, identified climate-related risks across production regions, now and into the future. It also worked with industry on a regional basis to look at how to manage these risks and how to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to help mitigate them, while providing education on how improving environmental performance can be used to a marketing advantage.
The research team began by performing a desktop review to summarise the latest science of climate change and the expected impacts that may affect the mushroom industry. It reviews how mushroom and compost producers in Australia and globally are adapting to the expected impacts of climate change, as well as reducing their environmental impact. The review is available here.
Identifying potential risks
The project team consulted 20 mushroom growers, representing 73 per cent of Australian production and seven composters. Each participant was asked about their climate risk preparations, as well as new strategies to manage climate-related impacts on their businesses. From these discussions, several key risks were identified (as below) and a summary document can be viewed here.
Availability of peat for casing
Availability, cost and quality of wheat straw for compost
Availability and quality of manure for compost
Impacts of temperature extremes on compost production, growing and transport
Energy – reliability of the power grid and costs of electricity and gas
Government emissions control policies
Water availability, cost and quality for compost production and mushroom growing
Pests and diseases, increased fly activity and the spread of disease, weed moulds and Trichoderma.
Case studies for adaptation and mitigation
The project team reviewed adaptation and mitigation options that are currently in use worldwide and developed six case studies outlining opportunities for the mushroom industry to consider, available to download here.
Recommendations for industry
The following recommendations are made to address gaps in knowledge and future R&D requirements. Together with the adaptation and mitigation options provided, the mushroom industry can reduce future climate change risks.
Identify and test alternative casing materials
Optimise compost made from lower quality, shorter straw and different manure sources
Evaluate the use of soil moisture sensors for managing irrigation in mushroom growing
Develop a smart cookout approach using qPCR disease identification to determine pathogens present and determine when cookout is needed.
Understand cookout timing and temperatures required to control specific diseases in growing rooms.
Investigate likely changes in mushroom disease, including smoky mould
Investigate the technical feasibility and marketing opportunities of carbon neutral mushrooms
Establish a solar buying group for mushroom producers
Pilot biogas energy generation on-farm.
MU21002 - Desktop review of pathway risks for the mushroom industry - Agaricus mushrooms and growth substrate imports
Key research provider: Applied Horticultural Research
This investment is identifying exotic mushroom pests and diseases and investigating the potential ways that they could enter Australia. Managing pests and diseases is a key priority for the Australian mushroom industry, as the entry of new pests and diseases could pose a serious threat.
The project team will investigate all possible routes for these pests and diseases to enter Australia, such as through imported Agaricus or exotic mushroom varieties, or other means including substrates (e.g. logs) or inoculum.
The research team will collaborate with the project Development of a biosecurity plan for Australian mushrooms (MU18006) as well as other industry risk-related projects and key industry organisations.
The research team will collaborate with the project Development of a biosecurity plan for Australian mushrooms (MU18006) and other industry risk-related projects and key industry organisations.
MU21003 - Mushroom industry communications program (MushroomLink)
Key delivery partner: Applied Horticultural Research
This investment is delivering effective and timely communications to ensure Australian mushroom growers and other industry stakeholders are kept up-to-date with the latest mushroom R&D and marketing investments, developments and outcomes, and other industry news and information.
The new program builds on the previous investment Mushroom industry communications program (MU18001) and is embracing new digital tools (including a fresh new-look magazine) and innovative techniques to more effectively communicate with the mushroom industry. This includes an increased emphasis on webinars, podcasts and social media, as well as online access to old and new resources, updates on overseas research and greater use of visual communication.
A number of regular communications channels are produced and maintained by the program, including but not limited to:
• A quarterly industry magazine
• A monthly e-newsletter
• Grower case studies
• The AGORA website
• A webinar and podcast series
• Social media
• Videos
• Media releases.
MU16004 - Marsh Lawson Mushroom Research Centre (MLMRC)
AHR Employees Sandra Evangelista and Tyler Kristensen working in the Marsh Lawson Mushroom Research Unit
Key research provider: The University of Sydney and Applied Horticultural Research (AHR)
This project supports the running and development of the Marsh Lawson Mushroom Research Centre (MLMRC) at the University of Sydney. The MLMRC is a world-class facility dedicated to mushrooms, and the research that takes place there will help the mushroom industry drive innovation, adopt best practice and tackle issues, while encouraging new expertise in the industry.
During the project, the facility will grow in size and capability, with the addition of new growing rooms and a purpose-built compost research facility.
What was it all about?
From 2017 to 2022, this investment supported the running and development of the Marsh Lawson Mushroom Research Centre (MLMRC) at the University of Sydney. The MLMRC is a world-class facility dedicated to mushrooms and the research that takes place there will help the mushroom industry drive innovation, adopt best practice and tackle issues, while encouraging new expertise in the industry.
This project was delivered jointly by The University of Sydney, who provided and maintained the research facilities and took charge of employing growers, and Applied Horticultural Research (AHR), who provided the management services outlined in the proposal.
The Marsh Lawson Mushroom Research Centre was directed by an industry-focused independent Steering Committee that prioritised research directions and led planning discussions towards transitioning to a new research facility. This Steering Committee has now developed into an important source of technical expertise that provides an industry overview into mushroom research funded by Hort Innovation and the industry levy.
Key impacts for the project include input into shaping the research direction for the mushroom industry, maintenance and improvement of the purpose build mushroom research facility at the University of Sydney, and progress on transition to new growing and composting research facilities.
The project, either directly or through the research facility has contributed the following outcomes for the Australian mushroom industry:
Commercially available PCR-based disease testing of compost and growing facilities
Assessments of recycled organics as a substitute up to 25 per cent of the peat used casing soil
Data to support a label extension of the fungicide metrafenone to control mushroom disease
Improved understanding of the microbial processes in mushroom compost production which may lead to more productive or functionally improved compost
Evaluation of products that can improve the whiteness and freshness of mushrooms.
ACT NOW
The MLMRC project delivered a total of 11 webinars aimed at producers, communicating research outcomes involving Australian and international researchers.
Watch the webinars below:
MU19005 - New innovations to improve mushroom whiteness shelf life
Key research provider: Applied Horticultural Research
During 2020, this investment investigated new innovations to improve and maintain mushroom whiteness, looking at both pre- and post-harvest factors. A grower-focused Best Bets Guide was produced that outlines the most effective technologies, techniques and strategies that mushroom growers can use on-farm to improve and maintain mushroom whiteness, with information to improve handling and management through the supply chain as well.
Presenting clean, white mushrooms to consumers at retail is a proven method of increasing sales. Conversely, browning mushrooms lack freshness, appearing damaged or near the end of storage life. Improving and maintaining whiteness has the potential to boost sales and reduce waste, and ultimately increase the profitability of the mushroom sector.
The project team conducted a detailed desktop study on mushroom whiteness. Peer reviewed literature on mushroom quality has increased immensely in the last few years, with substantial information about the cellular and metabolic process involved in the browning of mushrooms, along with a wide range of methods to slow this process.
As well as detailing the causes of browning, the project’s study thoroughly reviewed pre-harvest, harvest and post-harvest strategies to improve whiteness at harvest and retain colour through the supply chain.
Promising areas requiring further work to achieve commercialisation have been identified, along with proven methods that industry could adopt right now.
Project outputs
Access the Best Bets Guide on the industry resource website AGORA.
Read this article about the project’s results in the Summer 2020 edition of Australian Mushrooms Journal.