EDITION 4 - 2020
CONTENTS
Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Chairman’s Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Relationship & General Manager’s Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Add The Mighty Mushie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
National Mushroom Day A Chance To Celebrate . . . . . . . . . 10
Taking Mushrooms To The Classroom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Mushroom Virus Disease: Biology & Epidemiology. . . . . . . . 14
Mushroom Virus: Frustrating & Costly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Mushroom Whiteness & Improved Shelflife . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Trials In Recycled Organics In Mushroom Casing . . . . . . . . . 32
Mushroom Developments: Active Casing Soils . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Vale: Joe Van Dorresteyn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Food Safety Project. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Hort Innovation Roundup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Meet The AMGA Member . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
ISMS Congress Goes Virtual. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Video Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Australian Front Cover: ?
JOURNAL EDITION 4 - 2020 Inside Cover: Risoni, Mushroom & Hazlenut Salad - https://australianmushrooms.com.
au/recipe/risoni-mushroom-hazelnut-salad/
The Australian Mushrooms Journal is produced as part of the Mushroom Industry
Communication program (MU18001). This project has been funded by Hort
Innovation, using the mushroom research and development levy and contributions
from the Australian Government. Hort Innovation is the grower owned, not-for-profit
research and development corporation for Australian horticulture | Editorial: Chris
Rowley, Editor - 04 1514 0253 | Judy Allan, Editorial Consultant - (02) 6767 1057 |
Publication Dates: March / June / September / December | Copy Deadline: Six weeks prior to
the cover date | Subscriptions: The Journal is available to levy payers and others involved in
the Australian Industry. The Journal is distributed in electronic and print formats. Requests
to be included on the distribution list should be directed to the Editor | Letters to the Editor:
Letters to the Editor from readers on subjects of interest to the mushroom industry are
welcomed and encouraged. All contributions should be emailed to the Editor (chris.rowley@
optusnet.com.au) | Editorial Policy: The opinions expressed by contributors and advertisers
are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Hort Innovation. No responsibility
will be accepted for any statements made or views expressed in this journal, or for any
advertisements included. Hort Innovation reserves the right to edit, rewrite, withhold or
reject any or all material whether it be editorial, advertising copy or advertorial. If editorial
changes are made, the Editor will contact the author before publication for approval.
Manuscripts, correspondence, change of address requests should be sent to the Editor for
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not be reproduced in any other publications without written permission of Hort Innovation.
AMGA Contact | Phone: (02) 4577 6877 / Mail: P.O. Box 576 Crows Nest NSW 1585
EDITORIAL
Another year. But what a year. For update and some additional Chris Rowley, Editor, Australian
something that started so typically, information about the Mushrooms Journal
2020 has been the type of year that campaign.
we are all unlikely to forget any time management, or you need to know
soon. In the marketing area, the how to keep on top of these issues
Journal also covers a couple when they arise, then these articles
And while I know everyone is winding of AMGA initiatives – National are essential reading and should
down to spend some valuable time Mushroom Day and the pilot be part of your library for future
with family and friends, it is also schools program. Even with reference.
an excellent time to catch up on a short run into the event, the
some holiday reading. So if you are National Mushroom Day went well, We also follow on from the article
looking for something to read, may and I suspect there are bigger and on developing modern hybrids, with
I suggest that you keep turning the better things planned for 2021 to help a report from Geoff Martin on active
pages and stay up to date with what celebrate. By all reports, the school casing soils.
is happening across the mushroom program has also gone well, and we
industry. will cover the results of the pilot If you have any feedback on the
program in upcoming editions of the articles or would like to make some
If you are the sort of person who Journal. suggestions for future editions, please
flicks typically through and then let me know.
goes back to read the articles that In terms of levy-funded projects,
pique your interest, perhaps you the Journal reports on the findings Enjoy the read and happy
should follow the lead of AMGA of MU19005 - New innovations to mushrooming everyone.
Chairman, Geoff Martin and consider improve mushroom whiteness shelf
the publication in more detail. I was life. In addition, the report references Chris Rowley
pleased to see in his column some additional materials so please use the
encouragement to read the Journal link provided (if you are viewing the
and stay informed. online versions click on the link and
the materials will open in a separate
As we head into summer, the new window).
marketing campaign is in full swing
and has plenty of visibility. So far I I don’t know whether it is ironic
have seen it on television, at retail or just merely a sign of the times
and even while driving around the but the project team for MU16003
city, so it is out there and spreading - Pest and disease management
the mushroom message to consumers. and research services have chosen
While a summary of the campaign was to cover all things related to virus
sent earlier via the email newsletter, and mushrooms in two articles. If
this edition of the Journal provides an your work covers pest and disease
Editor
M: 0415 140 253
E: [email protected]
This project has been funded by Hort Innovation, using the mushroom research
and development levy and contributions from the Australian Government.
Editorial Australian Mushrooms Journal | Issue 4 -2020 1
CAMHGAAIRMAN’S
REPORT
By the time you read this, the result what’s happening in the Geoff Martin, Chairman, Australian
of the vote to abolish the Mushroom marketing sphere for Mushroom Growers’ Association
Industry Statutory Levies will be example. I must say I
known. I would like to thank each was really impressed A YEAR TO FORGET
and every levy payer who took time by the content and the
out to read the for and against quality of the writing in For many of us 2020 is a year we
statements and declared their vote the Journal. I know our would like to forget; the COVID-19
on this important issue. Whatever the editor works really hard outbreak has had a major effect upon
outcome, this marks the start of a to compile each edition to the Australian economy and mushroom
new era for our industry; a pause for make it interesting for the operations in particular. Not only
a reset, a revaluation of our strategy reader and spends a deal of have we had to deal with the public
and more importantly a time to forge time chasing down copy. health aspects of running a business
the best possible outcomes for the in the middle of a pandemic, the worst
Mushroom Industry. For the medium and larger operations effect has been the loss of the food
we provide several print copies of the service sector market because of
COMMUNICATION IS KEY Journal and I would encourage you to lockdowns. Unfortunately it’s not over
put the odd one out on your crib room yet and I suspect that we are in for a
One thing we have learnt over the last table such that your staff pick them rough ride until a vaccine is rolled out
few months is that communication up, have a browse and maybe get a for the majority of Australians. Many
is everything. These days everybody better insight into what is happening of you are too young to appreciate
is time poor; our e-mail inboxes are in our industry. what it’s like riding out a recession,
inundated with stuff from every however remember that tough times
direction, so it’s very difficult to be NEW CAMPAIGN UNDERWAY never last but tough people do.
able to communicate with growers
effectively via this platform. I The new “Add the Mighty Mushie” During my career I’ve been fortunate
guess having the time to read and Campaign was launched by Hort to have worked in a large corporate,
comprehend what you are reading Innovation on 19 November and will family owned businesses and I even
is just about impossible for most. run on TV for four weeks. More spent five years running my own bag
We are becoming victims of the importantly it will restart on TV in farm in Botswana. Whatever the size
smartphone syndrome of low February, at a time when mushroom or nature of your business it’s never
attention spans and reduced cognitive sales are traditionally difficult. There been easy; more especially, during this
capacity, especially youngsters. are more details of the campaign in uncertain period in time you will face
this Journal. many more difficulties.
For me, one of the best things to
happen was the return of the print But, congratulations to Mariannel
copy of the Australian Mushrooms Azarcon and the Hort Marketing Team
Journal, to compliment the on-line for embracing some of the health
version. Recently I was travelling on benefits of eating mushrooms as well
a plane to Adelaide, a rare event these as their unique Umami taste. Look
days, so with time to kill I took the out for the big roadside billboards in
opportunity to do something which the larger cities and the point of sale
I don’t normally do and that was to material. I was especially heartened
actually read the print version of the to see that growers were given the
Journal from cover to cover. TV schedule, so you will know what
program to watch to view the ad; by
Like most I usually just dip in and out the way, you won’t have to get up at
and read the articles I’m interested three in the morning!
in, so it’s easy to miss out on
2 Australian Mushrooms Journal | Issue 4 -2020 Chairman’s Report
All I can say is that I have empathy ‘Mushrooms in Schools’ pilot program
for your situation whatever the size in South Australia. I would particularly
of your operation, because I’ve been like to thank Carmine and Michael
there and done that. Christmas is a Callisto of Global Axis for coordinating
time for families and it’s important and undertaking the delivery of
that you look after your loved ones, mushroom growing kits to schools
and set aside some time to recharge throughout the Adelaide area. So
your batteries; it’s vital that you far we have had great feedback
look after your own mental health, from teachers; we aim to extend
because you’re going to need to be this program to other States and
resilient in the months to come. Territories. Also in 2021 the AMGA is
looking to improve the below the line
ISMS CONFERENCE marketing efforts on a regional basis,
to help our smaller growers.
I was looking forward to attending the
ISMS Conference in Vancouver Canada THANK YOU
in June 2021, only to learn recently
that it has been cancelled and will be I would like to thank my fellow AMGA
replaced by a virtual conference to Directors and our Relationship &
be held in September. Unfortunately General Manager, Martine Poulain, for
the COVID-19 outbreak meant that we their support during a very difficult
too had to cancel our October 2020 time for the industry. It just remains
AMGA Conference in Adelaide. At this for me to wish you, your family and
stage we may be looking at a scaled staff a very Happy Christmas and a
down version, possibly in November much improved 2021.
2021. Hopefully by then we will be
able to travel without restrictions in Geoff Martin
Australia; however international travel
may not have resumed to any extent
by that time and it may well be that
we have to combine a local conference
with having our international guests
present virtually. We’ll keep you
informed.
SCHOOLS PROGRAM Chairman
Thanks to Leah Bramich, AMGA M: 0415 542 301
Communications Manager, we E: [email protected]
have been able to put together a
Australian Mushrooms Journal | Issue 4 -2020 3
&ARMEGGLAMA’TSIORNESPHOIRPT
Hello industry members,
It’s been a busy few months for
mushroom statutory levy payers.
As most of you would be aware,
Costa instigated a ballot to
abolish the Marketing and
Promotions and Research and
Development levies.
By the time you receive this Martine Poulain, Relationship & General
journal, we will have had the Manager, Australian Mushroom Growers’
results. As the peak industry Association
body, we are committed
to taking an evidence-based with the Hort Innovation marketing
approach to decision-making, and team and the mushroom industry
hence strongly and unequivocally SIAP members. Levy payers will be
support NO to revoking the R&D or provided with the results of McKinna’s
the M&P elements of the Agaricus deliberations in due course.
Mushroom Statutory Levy. Our
position has always been that I’d like to officially welcome Dr
the statutory mushroom levy has Geoff Martin as the new AMGA
provided enormous benefits to the Chairman, who has well and truly hit
mushroom industry. the ground running – managing all
things “Ballot”. He is such an asset to
We hope the levy paper we produced this industry, so I’m sure we will all
and sent to all levy payers, enabled benefit tremendously from having him
you to make an informed decision in the seat for the next 12 months.
about the ballot. It outlined the facts
and evidence demonstrating how the Now onto AMGA operations over the
mushroom industry has benefited last few months...
from the statutory levy arrangement
as well as what resources and support NEW MARKETING CAMPAIGN
will no longer be available if the levy LAUNCHED
was to become voluntary.
At the end of 2019, the AMGA
Every mushroom grower is a board was working on the strategic
marketing expert and there are direction for the industry and
widely differing views in regards determined that the main goal was
to how effective the mushroom
marketing thrust has been.
To gain an independent view, the
AMGA has engaged the services of
McKinna et al to take an objective
look at the whole marketing situation
and present recommendations for
possible improvements; which we
will be able to discuss in partnership
4 Australian Mushrooms Journal | Issue 4 -2020 Relationship & General Manager’s Report
to make mushrooms a staple. Hort by teachers and students, so we Agreed, this was a year none of
Innovation and the AMGA formed a anticipate this to roll out nationally us anticipated – border closures,
working group to generate some ideas next year. economic upheaval, and the inability
and direction for this new campaign, to get on a plane and go to our
and it’s been exciting to see Hort AMGA BEST PRACTICE GUIDE suppliers and clients. As I write my
Innovation and the AMGA working column today, border closures are
together. Our new “Mighty Mushie” The AMGA will be publishing the AMGA still in place in most states, and relief
campaign was launched mid-November Best Practice Guide for mushroom and doesn’t seem to be in reach.
and will run until mid-December, and compost growers early in the New
start again at the end of January. Year. It will be mailed to all members, As an industry, we have survived, and
All members were sent the media and be available as a download on our persisted in promoting the importance
schedule, so please tune in and tell us new AMGA website. The AMGA Board of keeping healthy in a pandemic
what you think! felt it was vital to produce a guide – and so, mushrooms sales stayed
intended to promote good practice constant. It’s a testament to how
The AMGA has a solid history in mushroom operations across Australia resilient we are - so hats off!
promoting mushrooms to Australian - remembering that good practice is
consumers – our Power of Mushrooms usually about more than what is just As always, my door is open, so
and Meat for Vegetarians campaigns legally required. please contact me anytime to discuss
are a testament to this. Into any issues or simply to say hello.
the future, we see some further TESTING Please note, the AMGA office is
opportunities for mushrooms, as closing for the Christmas break at
consumers embrace a more plant- Are you being audited in the new COB Wednesday 23 December and
based diet. The 2021 campaign is year? The AMGA Testing Program is reopening on Monday 11 January
recognising the health benefits conducted to assist members with 2021.
of mushrooms in the middle of a verification activities, including
pandemic, and encouraging consumers product testing (microbial, chemical) We trust you have a restful holiday
to maintain a healthy immune system and water testing (microbial); period with your family.
as well as emphasising the unique providing evidence that on-farm QA
umami taste message. To see them systems are working effectively. Martine Poulain
promoted as a summer food and as a
kitchen staple is fantastic. The AMGA offers a comprehensive, Relationship and General Manager
independent testing program to assist M: 0457 440 298
AMGA CAMPAIGNS members with verification activities. E: [email protected]
Facilitated through the AMGA office,
Having our new communications the service includes sample collection,
manager Leah Bramich on board, has laboratory coordination and results
enabled us to return to the below the interpretation. Please contact me for
line PR style campaigns run previously further information.
by the AMGA. In the last few months,
we have been busy initiating some AMGA TRADEMARK
key campaigns.
AMGA’s new branding strategy will be
National Mushroom Day - 15 October phasing out the old logo over the next
saw the AMGA launch National few months from all of its marketing
Mushroom Day. We delivered a range materials and the Association
of media opportunities encouraging requests that growers do likewise.
consumers to celebrate the Existing authorisation to continue
uniqueness of mushrooms, with the using the old mark will terminate
overarching message promoting the in 2021, allowing plenty of time for
health benefits of mushrooms. growers to re-brand their boxes and
marketing, should they wish to use
Mushroom Kits in Schools - Teaching the AMGA logo.
children more about the deliciously
healthy world of mushrooms is the There will also be a trademark licence
objective of a trial program now agreement sent to growers in relation
running in selected schools in South to this, requesting compliance with
Australia. AMGA policies as a requirement of
use. If you have any questions about
The trial is taking place across 20 this please get in touch.
schools in classes of year three and
four students (aged between eight 2020
and nine), with each class allowed to
grow their own mushrooms as part of On a personal note, I wanted to
the education process. acknowledge the elephant in the room
that was “2020”.
It’s been incredibly well-received
Australian Mushrooms Journal | Issue 4 -2020 5
MIGHATdYd MthUe SHIE
An exciting new creative campaign lifestyles on the rise. The approach takes into account that
is now underway to encourage mushrooms are uniquely different to
consumers to “Add the Mighty In combination with the understanding fruit, vegetables, meat and grains,
Mushie”. that taste still firmly remains king delivering a range of nutrients and
with consumers, this knowledge the savoury flavour called umami.
The campaign extends from television, provided the perfect opportunity for
online video, social media, digital the development of this Australian The strategy was developed to
display, content partnerships, public Mushrooms campaign. showcase this “mighty” combination
relations and in-store activities. of health and taste, positioning
DEVELOPING THE APPROACH mushrooms as a transformative meal
CAMPAIGN BACKGROUND maker - a unique superfood with the
The campaign was developed by ability to elevate ordinary meals well
Consumer research shows that 80% the Hort Innovation marketing above the ordinary.
of households are already buying team working in collaboration with
mushrooms, leaving the challenge the Mushroom Advisory Panel and ADD THE MIGHTY MUSHIE
to inspire these mushroom eaters to Creative Working Group. The decision
buy more mushrooms more often. was taken to showcase the unique Before the new campaign was
Numerous studies and research superfood qualities of mushrooms, put in place, the team tested four
have revealed that more than ever, highlighting how they are ideally different creative ideas with “Add
Australians are health-conscious, with positioned to meet the needs of the Mighty Mushie” a clear winner
flexitarian and plant-based diets and consumers. with consumers. Building around
this approach, the team then
looked at ways to bring to life the
transformative power of mushrooms
to drive desired consumer behaviour.
The campaign uses a memorable
visual device “the alchemy burst”
across a range of marketing materials.
This burst showcases the idea that
when mushrooms are added to a
diverse range of meals across all
seasons, something amazing happens.
MEDIA CHANNELS
Retail TV The campaign that is now underway
is taking place through a range of
Outdoor carefully selected media channels
to ensure the Australian Mushrooms
PR Digital message reaches the target audience
multiple times with impact.
The focus of the campaign is not only
to bring to life the unique superfood
benefits of mushrooms but to amplify
that in an integrated way to drive
awareness and build consideration
of mushrooms, with support right
through to the point of purchase.
Social
Media
6 Australian Mushrooms Journal | Issue 4 -2020 Add The Mighty Mushie
The channels include: PUBLIC RELATIONS AND • Mushroom, Oomite and burnt
SOCIAL MEDIA butter mother crumpet.
• TV: The new television
commercial has gone to air and Australian Mushrooms created The creative recipes have been picked
will be seen in two bursts over headlines by partnering up with up by 20 major news outlets including
the duration of the campaign. several famous Australian chefs to The Daily Telegraph, Herald Sun, The
produce a range of bold mushroom- Courier Mail, and News.com.au
• Outdoor media – large format: based recipes for use through public
Roadside billboards will be in relations and social media channels. This delivered fantastic coverage for
place to drive awareness with Australian Mushrooms, resulting in
impact and scale. The chefs including Darren Robertson over 28 million opportunities to see,
(Three Blue Ducks and Rocker), in just the first month.
• Outdoor media – retail: Australian Julian Cincotta (Butter), Reynold
Mushrooms will appear in panels Poernomo (MasterChef, KOI Dessert The coverage highlights the ability of
outside of major retailers to Bar), Shannon Martinez (Smith & innovative activities to help leverage
remind consumers to purchase Daughters, Smith & Deli), and Jake the Australian Mushrooms message
mushrooms right before they do Smyth and Kenny Graham (Mary’s and encourage consumers to Add the
their shop. Group) have all delivered disruptive Mighty Mushie to even more meals.
and bold breakfast, lunch dinner
• Digital: Targeted online and dessert dishes using Australian The recipes have been showcased
advertising (such as through mushrooms in ways never seen through Australian Mushrooms own
recipes and cooking videos) will before. social media channels (Facebook
be used to increase inspiration and Instagram) to engage new and
and consideration of mushrooms. Some of the recipes created to date current mushroom fans.
include the following:
• Broadcaster Video on Demand: Use of In addition to this activity, the ‘always
this channel includes YouTube and • Fried Aussie Mushroom with XO on’ social media activity includes the
Catch-Up TV advertising to drive Noodles. release of bite-size recipe videos to
incremental reach. educate Australians on all the ways
• Mushroom Sticky Date Pudding mushrooms can transform their
with Vanilla Ice Cream. cooking.
• Spicy Fried’ Shroom Burger.
Australian Mushrooms Journal | Issue 4 -2020 7
WOOLWORTHS MUSHROOM
MONTH
While Australia celebrated National
Mushroom Day on Thursday 15
October (see separate story on Page
10), Mushroom Month was celebrated
in Woolworths during November. The
in-store celebrations saw special aisle
fins and recipes attract the attention
of shoppers in their stores across
Australia.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
• If you or your business is
on social media, ensure you
follow and like the Australian
Mushrooms Facebook and
Instagram pages.
• Share posts and images across
your pages with family, friends
and business associates.
• Keep an eye on the hashtags
used in the promotions and
link into your posts by using
the same hashtags (e.g.
#mushroommeals #cookingtips
#australianmushrooms).
• Share mushroom recipe ideas
via your website – you can
link these back to https://
australianmushrooms.com.au/
• Subscribe to receive regular
recipe updates and encourage
friends and co-workers to visit
and do the same.
• Contact the Australian
Mushrooms Marketing team to
inquire about access to “Add
the Mighty Mushie” images and
marketing collateral for use
through your business.
CAMPAIGN ACTIVITY
8 Australian Mushrooms Journal | Issue 4 -2020
Australian Mushrooms Journal | 2019 (3) 19
Australian Mushrooms Journal | Issue 4 -2020 9
NATIONAL TMOUSCEHLREBMRADTAEY
A CHANCE
For the committed mushroom lover, MUSHROOM DAY FOCUS against the backdrop of the Coffs
every day with mushrooms is a day to Harbour coastline, this television
celebrate, but for others, a National The overarching focus for National event provided the opportunity for
Mushroom Day is a great reminder to Mushroom Day was to promote the Dr Fayet-Moore to explain to viewers
add more mushrooms into everyday health benefits of mushrooms, with a how just three mushrooms a day can
meals. spotlight on the ability of mushrooms deliver 100% of the daily vitamin D
to produce vitamin D. requirements for Australian adults.
Following work undertaken by the The process of “tanning your
AMGA, National Mushroom Day was The key message about vitamin D mushrooms” was also outlined to
launched in Australia on Thursday is essential given that one in four viewers. This discussion highlighted
15 October, supported by a strong Australians are reportedly deficient, that store purchased mushrooms
partnership between the Association making mushrooms a deliciously placed in the sun for just 15 minutes
and Hort Innovation. healthy ingredient for anyone looking could boost their vitamin D content
to maintain optimum levels of this by converting vitamin D in a similar
While the event was launched critical vitamin.
with minimum lead-in time, AMGA Hort Innovation developed a range
Communication Manager, Leah STUDIO 10 of images and assets to support the
Bramich was pleased with the result national initiative.
and said it had delivered a range of To spread the healthy message and
media opportunities encouraging share some delicious mushroom
consumers to celebrate the recipes, the AMGA commissioned Dr
uniqueness of mushrooms. Flavia Fayet-Moore, from Nutrition
Research Australia to appear on
Miss Bramich said the Association had television on Studio 10 with celebrity
reached out to other industry bodies chef Matt Donovan on the morning of
throughout the world to make it more the event.
of an international mushroom day.
As the lead researcher for the three-
“The United States has already year levy-funded project Educating
pushed the event, and we now have Health Professionals about Australian
New Zealand, Ukraine, and we are Mushrooms, Dr Fayet-Moore was
hopeful that many others will join the an ideal candidate to help promote
celebrations in 2021. I am confident the health benefits of Australian
that next year will be bigger and mushrooms through this event.
better still,” she said.
Teamed with Matt Donovan cooking
The AMGA commissioned an appearance on Studio 10 to promote the health A social media competition further
benefits of mushrooms. raised awareness of the event.
10 Australian Mushrooms Journal | Issue 4 -2020 National Mushroom Day A Chance To Celebrate
process to the skin, without affecting
the mushrooms look or taste.
Viewers were told that these tanned,
supercharged mushrooms were able to
maintain their vitamin D levels for up
to a week if stored in the fridge.
PARTNERSHIP SUPPORT
To support the national event, Hort
Innovation developed a range of
images and assets that were shared
with all growers and the AMGA,
to promote the day within their
organisations and communities. Social
media was also used extensively, with
the promotion carried out across the
Australian Mushrooms Facebook and
Instagram channels.
To drive engagement with the target
audience, an Australian Mushrooms
social media competition was
conducted with consumers who were
asked to share an image of their
National Mushroom Day dish for
the opportunity to win a Weber Q
barbecue. This competition leveraged
the promotional message, successfully
attracting tens of thousands of
entries across Australia.
The Hort Innovation marketing team
also reached out to 33,000 mushroom
lovers, through a National Mushroom
Day themed e-newsletter. This
newsletter not only alerted recipients
to the celebration but also encouraged
them to join the competition, with a
series of recipes and mushroom health
animations.
The day was also celebrated on the Costa staff helped celebrate the event with celebrations at Adelaide Mushrooms
Australian Mushrooms website, with and the Mernda farm.
a pop-up reminder visible on the site
throughout the week, to encourage each plating up a unique mushroom development phase, contact was
website visitors to get involved and dish to inspire viewers how quick made with a range of social media
celebrate. and easy it is to cook with Australian and health influencers to encourage
mushrooms. them to support mushrooms in future
LOCAL INVOLVEMENT promotions for National Mushroom
In addition, other growers around Day.
The event was also supported by Australia joined in by hosting BBQ
individual mushroom businesses, with events with staff to celebrate the Information on the event and how
SA Mushrooms and Costa Mushrooms occasion. you can get involved and leverage the
both taking the opportunity to occasion through your contacts and
celebrate. BIGGER AND BETTER media channels will be included in
future editions of the Journal.
SA Mushrooms partnered with local With the 2020 event successfully
South Australian organisation “Pick attracting media attention and Leah Bramich| AMGA Communications
a Local. Pick SA!” to host an exciting industry involvement, the AMGA is Manager
Facebook Live cookoff, featuring excited to grow National Mushroom
two former MasterChef contestant, Day in both exposure and size for M: 0450 504 675
Mandy Hall and Helen “The Greek 2021 and beyond. As part of the E: [email protected]
Vegetarian”. The cookoff was
showcased through an hour-long live
social media broadcast, with the pair
Australian Mushrooms Journal | Issue 4 -2020 11
TAKING MUSHR MS
TO THE CLASSR M
Teaching children more about The mushroom kits will be in the short cultivation period encourages
the deliciously healthy world of classroom for a total of 10 weeks. students to stay engaged and feel a
mushrooms is the objective of a trial sense of pride in successfully growing
program now running in selected Miss Bramich explained the program a crop of mushrooms.”
schools in South Australia. was linked to the Australian
curriculum, with teachers able to “The hands-on experience, combined
Implemented by the AMGA, the trial is access 10 lesson plans to cover the with the lesson plans, tap into the
taking place across seven schools (a entire term. uniqueness of mushrooms, making it a
mix of public and private) in classes highly interactive experience for the
of year three and four students (aged “Each lesson plan is supported with a children involved.”
between eight and nine), with each variety of worksheets, fun mushroom
of the 20 classes allowed to grow facts and information, and optional She said each child would have the
their own mushrooms as part of the extensions, suitable for Grades 3 and opportunity to take home mushrooms
education process. A total of 331 4.” and prepare a family meal using a
students are participating in the pilot chosen recipe. They will then be asked
program. The free resources provided through to report to the class and rate the
the AMGA deliver a framework for overall experience, she said.
According to the AMGA Communication a range of lessons including how
Manager, Leah Bramich each class has mushrooms grow, what is compost, “The objective is to not only provide
been provided with four mushroom sustainable farming and the science a different classroom experience
growing kits (delivered courtesy behind ‘tanning your mushrooms’ to but also to increase the knowledge
of Global Axis), providing a harvest their increase vitamin D levels! and understanding of mushrooms.
large enough for every child to share. Ultimately we want the students
Miss Bramich said these resources to develop a positive view toward
were designed to encourage inquiry- including more mushrooms as part of
a regular healthy diet.”
based learning and
have cross-curricular Miss Bramich said the children and
opportunities. teachers would be surveyed at the
start and conclusion of the program
“From a learning to assess the overall success of the
viewpoint, mushroom approach.
kits are perfect for the
classroom, particularly “Our plan is to show it has been a
as mushrooms are easy success, and then to roll out the
to grow and double in approach throughout Australia. The
size every day. This
After you have placed the peat moss on the compost, a 4-5 days later you will see the mushrooms start to ‘pin’.
Use this chart to record the mushroom growth.
Imagine the grid below is the mushroom kit. Draw a circle in the proportion of the mushroom, where the
mushroom is growing. This is a great way to document the daily growth of the mushrooms, record when you have
harvested the mushrooms and predict where new mushrooms will appear.
Remember! You will need to make sure your mushroom Monday
kits have plenty of water on Friday afternoon, before you
leave for the weekend. Mushrooms use LOTS of water!
From your team, choose someone to MONITOR and
someone to HARVEST
Team Name: _____________________________
Week starts: _________ / _________ / ________
Mushroom Monitor: _______________________
Mushroom Harvestor: ______________________
Students will have the opportunity learn about the types Students can monitor the growth of their mushroom crop.
of mushrooms grown in Australia.
12 Australian Mushrooms Journal | Issue 4 -2020 Taking Mushrooms To The Classroom
Maryattville Primary - Flush 1. Students at Maryattville Primary study the results of the first
harvest.
target is to go nationally, with some
500 classes over June-July 2021, with
a move to an annual campaign in
subsequent years,” she said.
Mushrooms in Schools has three
objectives:
1. Mushroom Classification -
Mushrooms are not a vegetable;
they are fungi and grow in a
unique way.
2. Mushroom nutrition - For
mushrooms to be known as a
‘superfood’, setting these opinions
early.
3. Mushroom consumption - Through
the hands-on learning experience,
the students are encouraged to
choose a recipe they would like
and try the mushroom. One aim
is to see a rise in the number of
students consuming mushrooms
and classifying them as ‘Yummy’
in the post-program attitudinal
survey.
An update on the trial will be included
in the next edition of the Journal.
Leah Bramich| AMGA Communications A variety of resources will be used to
Manager teach students about mushrooms.
P: 0450 504 675
E: [email protected]
Australian Mushrooms Journal | Issue 4 -2020 13
VMBiIoURloSgUyHSaRnDd IESMpEidAemSioElogy
Warwick Gill Virus infection of Agaricus spores
Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture
University of Tasmania, Hobart
SUMMARY the virus infection rate of Agaricus spores can be as high as
100%
Viruses are essentially non-living
particles that need to exist inside an 8cm-diameter mushroom will produce over 1.3 billion
a host to be able to survive and spores
multiply. Two virus diseases of
Agaricus bisporus are known: the number of mushroom spores in grow room air has been
measured at 10,000 spores m-3
• La France disease, first recorded
in 1948 in the United States. even in rooms where incoming air is filtered, counts may still
reach 10 spores m-3
• Mushroom Virus X (MVX) disease,
first recorded in the United as few as 10 spores m-3 will result in 10,000 - 100,000 spores
Kingdom in 1996. landing on beds during spawn run alone
Virus diseases may cause up to 90% only 10 - 100 virus-infected spores per tray is sufficient to
losses in yield and quality. Virus induce virus symptomology
symptoms expressed in mushroom
crops are diverse and complex and virus symptoms are often too subtle to notice, so infected
depend on the type and number spore reservoirs become established on-farm over time
of virus particles present, time
of infection, the concentration virus-infected Agaricus spores germinate more quickly and
of virus in the inoculum and the abundantly than healthy ones
growing environment. Because the
symptomology is so varied and virus-infected Agaricus spores can remain viable for at least
complex, virus symptoms, particularly 14 years (trial on-going)
in early stages of infection, are
sometimes overlooked, or are
mistaken for other diseases.
If virus disease is not identified
early and management strategies
implemented, virus infected
mushroom spores will accumulate on-
farm, creating disease reservoirs.
Virus particles spread through • infected mushroom spores from the growing cycle;
mushroom mycelium by hyphal a diseased room landing and • infected compost carried over in
anastomosis (horizontal transmission) germinating on compost or casing
and spread throughout the farm by at any stage throughout the tray timbers after insufficient
infected mushroom spores (vertical growing cycle; cookout; and
transmission) and airborne infected • infected compost carried over
hyphal cells. • airborne infected mushroom on nets following inadequate
hyphal cells landing on compost sanitation.
Virus diseases can be introduced to or casing at any stage throughout
mushroom crops by:
14 Australian Mushrooms Journal | Issue 4 -2020 Mushroom Virus Disease: Biology & Epidemiology
INTRODUCTION
Viruses are an enigma. Because
they have no cellular structure,
do not metabolise and are unable
to reproduce by themselves, they
are arguably ‘non-living’ particles.
But their presence often leads to
serious diseases. Viruses are obligate
intracellular parasites, meaning that
they must exist inside a suitable host
cell to survive and multiply.
Viruses are structurally very simple Figure 1 Structure of Mushroom Bacilliform Virus. Image: ViralZone 2008,
and consist of nucleic acid (genetic Swiss Institute if Bioinformatics
material as either RNA or DNA but
not both) surrounded by a protein and unicellular organisms through Figure 2 The first image of mycoviruses by
coat called a capsid (Fig. 1) which to the largest plants and animals on electron microscopy. These virus particles
protects the genetic material from the planet. Although the existence of are from a La France-affected mushroom.
harmful host enzymes. These are the viruses was first proposed in 1898, it Note the spherical (isometric) particles
capsidated viruses. wasn’t until the development of the and the bacilliform (rod-shaped) particles.
electron microscope in 1931 that they Bar = 0.1ђm. Image: adapted from Hollings
Some viruses may have a further were first observed. M (1962)
protective outer envelope composed
largely of host cell membranes. Viruses were first demonstrated to
Viruses do not possess the machinery occur within fungi relatively recently.
required to reproduce. Instead, viruses In 1948, a devastating new disease
‘hijack’ the host’s cellular machinery appeared on the La France brothers’
and use it to make virus components mushroom farms in Pennsylvania (La
and to assemble new virus particles. France disease; Sinden & Hauser 1950)
shortly followed by outbreaks in
Viruses are widespread and are Europe and Australia.
found within all groups of living
organisms from the tiniest bacteria
Australian Mushrooms Journal | Issue 4 -2020 15
In the late 1950s Hollings and Gandy, influenced by the growing conditions, COVID-19 spread are extracellular –
using the newly invented electron the time of infection and the the virus survives and is transmitted
microscope, observed virus particles concentration of infective particles in outside the host.
in fluid expressed from symptomatic the inoculum.
mushrooms (Fig. 2). A second route of human viral
But with mushroom virus diseases, infections such as Dengue Fever,
The virus associated with La France symptom expression is determined Yellow Fever, Zika and Malaria is by an
symptomology was designated La also by the type of virus particles external vector. As a mosquito feeds
France Isometric Virus (LIV). This was present, the relative ratios of the on an infected person, virus particles
the first evidence for the existence virus particles present and different are taken into its digestive system.
of viruses within fungi – the combinations of the particles. This
‘mycoviruses’. is likely to account for the different When the mosquito next feeds, virus
descriptive common names given to is transferred from the mouth and
VIRUS DISEASES OF La France from different locations – digestive tract of the mosquito into
MUSHROOMS La France, die-back, watery stipe and the blood stream of the new host.
‘X’ disease. The virus survives and is transmitted
In addition to La France, Mushroom outside the host.
Virus X (MVX) disease is the other Similarly, the two predominant
known virus disease of cultivated symptoms of MVX, bare patch Likewise, plant viruses survive and are
Agaricus mushrooms. MVX was first formation (more common in the transmitted outside of the primary
reported in the mid-1990s from the United Kingdom) and mushroom host plant. Plant cells possess a
United Kingdom and it soon appeared browning (more predominant in tough resistant cell wall and they are
in Europe and North America. Europe), are caused by (at least impenetrable to viruses. To infect,
two) different viral particles and are plant viruses are vectored by sap-
Despite the symptomology of MVX essentially two different diseases. sucking insects such as leafhoppers
resembling that of La France, initial and aphids which pierce the tough cell
studies by electron microscopy To this point, the virus particle walls to access cell contents.
failed to identify the expected virus responsible for the browning symptom
particles in expressed mushroom of MVX has been identified and The insect feeds on an infected plant
fluid. Significant time was invested in labelled AbV16. The symptom has cell and takes virus particles into its
the fruitless search for an alternative been newly designated as Brown Cap digestive system. The virus particles
cause of MVX symptomology until Mushroom Disease and AbV16 is now are transferred into the new host
then ‘state-of-the-art’ molecular referred to as Brown Cap Mushroom when the insect next feeds.
techniques were applied. Virus (BCMV).
Unlike plant and human viruses, by far
Researchers subsequently identified Interestingly, BCMV is the first the majority of mycovirus infections
26 different viral particles from observed particle of its type and are asymptomatic, likely due to the
symptomatic mushrooms. Because has required the creation of a new unique characteristics of mycoviruses
these particles were ‘naked’ virus family, Ambsetviridae, to not present in viruses of other
unencapsidated molecules – they did accommodate it. organisms:
not have a protein capsid around
them – they were not detected by TRANSMISSION OF VIRUSES • the ‘life cycle’ of fungal viruses
previously applied standard electron IN MUSHROOM CROPS does not include an extracellular
microscopy. route of infection;
Viruses that parasitise plants and
A subsequent investigation of animals are more often than not • they cannot survive outside their
La France symptomology using detrimental to the host (think of host cell;
molecular techniques also revealed all the viral diseases that can affect
that in addition to the three viral humans including COVID-19 which you • transmission of mycoviruses
particles identified early by electron might have heard about – it’s been in occurs only intracellularly; and
microscopy, a further 10 ‘naked’ the news a bit recently).
unencapsidated viral particles were • mycoviruses do not have the
implicated in the disease. In humans, COVID-19 for example is capacity for locomotion.
spread by virus-containing droplets
For the remainder of this article, expelled from an infected person by Mycoviruses have developed two
the term ‘virus’ will include both coughing, sneezing, sweating and transmission strategies which are
encapsidated and unencapsidated breathing. The virus infects a new specifically adapted to their host
viruses. host if these droplets are directly biology – horizontal transmission and
inhaled. Alternatively, if the droplets vertical transmission.
La France and MVX express a similar fall onto a surface, a person can
range of symptoms. Like other become infected by picking up the HORIZONTAL TRANSMISSION
mushroom diseases, the exact virus particles from the surface and
symptom(s) expressed and degree introducing them into their nose, eyes In Phase III compost, growth of
of expression of virus disease is or mouth. The primary route(s) of Agaricus mycelium begins from
individual spawn grains from which
branching hyphae radiate and colonise
fresh compost.
16 Australian Mushrooms Journal | Issue 4 -2020
As one hypha encounters another Infected Anastomosis
from the same or other spawn grains, hypha
they touch and fuse in a process
called anastomosis (Fig. 3) resulting in Virus particle
a highly interconnected network.
Figure 3 Hyphal anastomosis in fungal mycelium. Image: adapted from ViralZone 2014,
This complex hyphal network connects Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics
different mycelia into a single
organism and by cytoplasmic streaming, contain virus particles which become big enough to hold thousands of virus
allows the transport of nutrients, incorporated into the developing particles which, in the case of LIV,
water, oxygen and some fungal cell mushroom. are around 36nm (0.000036mm) in
structures from hypha to hypha to diameter.
sustain the maturing colony. As the basidiospores develop within
the gill tissue, viruses pass from the Grow room air will typically contain
At the same time, cytoplasmic cap hyphae into the basidiospores. 10,000 spores m-3 of airspace. Even in
streaming transports virus particles Significantly, the rate of spore areas such as Phase II tunnels where
from within infected hyphal cells into infection may be as high as 100%. incoming air is filtered, spore counts
uninfected hyphae and throughout may still reach 10 spores m-3 of
the developing mycelium via the Due to the ability of viruses to infect airspace, corresponding to 10,000 –
anastomoses. basidiospores and the huge numbers 100,000 spores landing on spawn run
of basidiospores produced – an 8cm beds alone.
The transmission of virus particles diameter mushroom will produce
within the same generation is called over 1.3 billion spores at 40 million Yet only as few as 10 – 100 virus-
‘horizontal transmission’. Anastomosis spores per hour – transmission within infected spores per tray are required
allows virus particles to exist and spores is the primary source of virus to incite disease symptoms.
move intracellularly and is the only infection on-farm.
way that virus can spread within a In addition to the huge number
crop. Because infected spores will initiate produced by affected mushrooms (Fig.
the next generation of infection, 5), virus-infected spores have been
Anastomoses only occur between this process is known as ‘vertical shown to still be viable and infectious
hyphae of compatible fungal strains transmission’ (Fig. 4). after 14 years in storage.
and is a process tightly regulated
by genetics and chemical signalling, Virus transmission by basidiospores Because symptoms expressed early in
permitting fusion and interchange presents significant issues for disease the infection are mild, sporadic and
of cellular material between closely management because virus-infected are often overlooked, virus diseases
related species. basidiospores are the predominant can be present long before ‘something
source of inoculum for new infections. doesn’t look right’ particularly on
Anastomosis is particularly well- And they are microscopic – Agaricus hybrid and off-white strains.
developed in the Basidiomycetes, the basidiospores measure 5μm × 7μm
group of fungi that includes the genus (0.005mm x 0.007mm) but they are
Agaricus, as it also plays a role in
sexual reproduction.
VERTICAL TRANSMISSION
Agaricus bisporus fruitbodies develop
by morphogenesis of undifferentiated
vegetative mycelium. In a virus-
affected crop, the mycelium will
Figure 4 Spore development in basidiomycetes. The dispersal of virus-infected spores is called vertical transmission. Line diagrams:
Debivort / CC BY-SA (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/) µ Photograph: Warwick Gill
Australian Mushrooms Journal | Issue 4 -2020 17
This is the case with MVX – symptoms
were observed as far back as 1990
but were ignored or overlooked until
the symptomology was recognised
(Burton et al 2011).
Additionally, because the viral
particles implicated in MVX expression
were not detectable by previously
reliable electron microscopy, the
reservoir of infective MVX virus
particles accumulated within the UK
mushroom industry.
Virus-infected spores also Figure 5 Spore print (front) of an Agaricus mushroom illustrating the number of spores
unknowingly form reservoirs in produced by a single fruitbody. The print is made of microscopic mushroom spores which
out-of-the-way nooks and crannies become visible when huge numbers of them are clumped together. Photograph: Warwick
on-farm. When disturbed by activities Gill
such as on-site construction and
renovation many years after they VIRUS BIOLOGY KEY WORDS
were produced, they can infect Anastomosis (pl -oses) Fusion of two compatible hyphae
mushroom beds and compost
production facilities, severely Asymptomatic Expressing no symptoms
impacting the farm’s bottom line.
Capsid The outer protein shell of a virus
Virus-infected spores germinate
more quickly and more abundantly Compatible hyphae Hyphae able to fuse under genetic and
than healthy spores so the cycle chemical control
of infection and point and time of
infection may be difficult to track. Cytoplasmic streaming Movement of cell contents within and
between hyphal cells
Additionally, mushroom spores are
notoriously difficult to eradicate by Encapsidated Viral nucleic acid which is enclosed in a capsid
cookout, requiring 72hr exposure at a
compost temperature of 65°C or 3hrs Horizontal transmission Transmission within the same generation
at 70°C.
Unencapsidated Viral nucleic acid not enclosed in a capsid
Furthermore, grow room floors can
remain more than 25°C cooler than Vertical transmission Transmission from one generation to the next
the compost temperature during
cookout (Pennone et al 2020) making MOVEMENT OF VIRUS IN BULK PHASE III FACILITIES
inadequate cookout a possible causal COMPOST ARE SUSCEPTIBLE TO VIRUS
factor in failure to control the disease. INFECTION
Helen Grogan’s virus transmission
The primary means of spore experiments (Grogan et al 2008) Mycoviruses are highly adapted to the
distribution on-farm is by air demonstrated that from a point Agaricus life cycle. But the worldwide
movement. inoculum of 1 gram of virus-infected adoption of bulk Phase III composting
compost added to clean Phase II has exposed a vulnerability of the
Because mushroom viruses are unable mushroom compost at spawning, modern cultivation system to, in
to survive outside of a host cell, there the virus travelled 2.5 linear metres particular, virus diseases.
are no known vectors of mushroom within the developing mycelium
virus diseases. and was detected in first flush Introduction of any form of viral
mushrooms. But of course, mushroom inoculum – infected spores, or
However, there will be some mycelium grows radially. 2.5 linear contaminated compost or hyphal
incidental transference of infected metres approximates to a bed area cells – after Phase II cool down will
spores by Phorids, Sciarids and of nearly 20 square metres becoming allow infected hyphae to grow and
other invertebrates, staff clothing infected with virus. compatible hyphae to anastomose and
and footwear, by poorly performed
spot treatment and other standard
cultivation processes such as watering
and harvesting, on un-sanitized crates
and reusable boxes and on tools and
vehicles.
18 Australian Mushrooms Journal | Issue 4 -2020
create a complex mycelial network. La France and MVX infections
ultimately result in the death of
Once spawn run has completed and the mushroom host, causing up to
Phase III tunnels are emptied and 90% crop loss, depending on the
grow room shelves filled, both the virus type(s) and concentration(s)
extensive virus-infected mycelial present. This is because the vertical
network and the ‘clean’ mycelium transmission is very efficient so
originating from the spawn are successful passing of virus to the
broken up and infected hyphal cells next generation of Agaricus crops is
distributed throughout the entire virtually assured.
compost batch. As both the infected
and clean hyphae re-grow and In other Basidiomycete species,
intermingle, they anastomose and the virus infection rate of spores
virus particles pass into the clean is very low or non-existent so the
mycelium. virus cannot afford to sacrifice the
host as no matter how efficient
SIGNIFICANCE OF DISEASE horizontal transmission may be, it
EXPRESSION IN AGARICUS cannot ‘promote’ the virus to the next
generation.
Mycoviruses are widespread
throughout the fungal kingdom, yet Consequently, in contrast to
most infections are asymptomatic. ‘mushroom’ virus, the majority of
Because mycoviruses cannot survive other mycovirus infections are benign
outside host cells, killing the host is and asymptomatic.
not a good move. On the other hand,
human viruses are often fatal because Warwick Gill | Project Leader
the virus (COVID-19 for example) can
survive outside of the host cells, so M: 0417 766 588
death of the host does not result in E: [email protected]
‘death’ of the virus.
KEY REFERENCES
Burton KS, Green J, Baker K, Eastwood Thesis, Cranfield Health/Warwick HRI Sahin E, Akata I (2018) Viruses infecting
D, Grogan H (2011) Mushroom Virus (Wellsbourne). pp265 macrofungi. Virus Disease 29:1-18
X – the identification of brown cap Sinden JW, Hauser E (1950) Report on
mushroom virus and a new highly Pennone V, Dygico KL, Coffey A, Gahan two mushroom diseases. Mushroom
sensitive diagnostic test for phase III Science 1:96-100
compost. CGM, Grogan H, McAuliffe O, Burgess CM,
Jordan K (2020) Effectiveness of current Van der Lende TR, Duitman EH,
Proceedings of the 7th International hygiene practices on minimization of
Conference on Mushroom Biology and Listeria monocytogenes in different Gunnewijk MGW, Yu L, Wessels JGH (1996)
Mushroom Products. pp461-468 mushroom production-related Functional analysis of dsRNAs (L1, L3,
environments. Food Science and L5 and M2) associated with isometric
Fletcher JT, Gaze RH (2008) Mushroom Nutrition 8:3456-3468 34-nm virions of Agaricus bisporus
Pest and Disease Control – a color (white button mushroom). Virology
handbook. Academic Press Romaine CP, Ulhrich P, Schlagnhaufer 217:88-96
B (1993) Transmission of La
Ghabrial SA, Caston JR, Jiang D, Nibert ML, France isometric virus during van Zaayen A (1976) Mushroom viruses.
Suzuki N (2015) 50-plus years of fungal basidiosporogenesis in Agaricus Chapter 6 in: Viruses and Plasmids
viruses. Virology 479-480:356-368 bisporus. Mycologia 85:175-179 in Fungi (PA Lemke, editor). Marcel
Dekker Inc. New York
Grogan H, Goncharenko N, Holcroft S, Mills
P (2008) Movement of mushroom virus
X dsRNA through mushroom compost.
Mushroom Science 17:524-535
Hollings M (1962) Viruses associated
with a die-back disease of cultivated
mushroom. Nature 196:962-965
Maffetone E (2007) Characterization
of a novel virus associated with the
MVX disease of Agaricus bisporus. PhD
Australian Mushrooms Journal | Issue 4 -2020 19
20 Australian Mushrooms Journal | Issue 4 -2020
Global Axis Import Solutions is a proud family
owned business in operation since 1988. We offer
a comprehensive range of services including
domestic and international logistics, and the
distribution of mushroom and horticultural
related products and equipment to mushroom
farms, nurseries, turf producers and potting soil
companies across Australia and abroad.
This includes the supply of:
• mushroom casing
• sphagnum peat moss
• mushroom growing supplements
• mushroom spawn
• growing and tunnel nets
• lighting solutions
• fungicides, larvicides, and disinfectants
Global Axis understands the importance of high
quality service and the significance of providing
valued products on time, every time. This has
been our strength consistently over the last 30
years, and will continue to be our focus.
Get in touch,
Carmine Callisto
Managing Director
Global Axis Import Solutions
(08) 8277 1040 Stay updated
[email protected] Connect with us today!
www.globalaxis.com.au
Australian Mushrooms Journal | Issue 4 -2020 21
MUSHR M VIRUS
FRUSTRATING AND COSTLY
Judy Allan and reduced mushroom quality are top symptoms virus can express in
of the list of consequences of virus on mushroom crops and if they are
Pest and Disease a mushroom farm. The symptoms of present do some testing to confirm if
Management Service mushroom virus disease are complex the cause is virus.
During 2020 when Coronavirus - and can show great variability within
COVID 19 - has spread around the and between crops. One of the key sources of information
world, awareness of the devasting on mushroom virus disease in more
impact a complex and infective The timeline on Page 24 summarises recent years has been from outputs
disease has been demonstrated and the detection of mushroom virus of the European based Mush TV
has impacted all our lives to some internationally and indicates that research project from 2011-2015. The
degree. in Australia there is a long history TV is not a television channel but
The consequences of a mushroom of sporadic virus outbreaks and MUSHroom Research on Trichoderma
farm having virus in their crops can epidemics. and Virus.
also be frustrating, confusing and
costly. Yield loss, delayed cropping Note that there HAS been detections The primary focus for Virus research
of Virus in Australia in 2020 so was the ‘Brown Cap Mushroom
22 Australian Mushrooms Journal | Issue 4 -2020 it is important to be alert to the Disease‘ (BCMD) associated with
the Mushroom Virus X (MVX)
complex of viruses, which causes
white mushrooms to turn brown
and lose quality. BCMD has caused
serious economic losses to mushroom
businesses across Europe since 2000.
In Australia over the past 5-10 years
there have been sporadic ‘sightings’ of
brown mushrooms in white mushroom
crops and suspicious symptoms of
bare patches and excessive post-
harvest deterioration. In reality
there has been insufficient testing to
confirm the cause was virus related
but it has been highly suspicious,
and farms affected increased
their preventative hygiene on the
presumption of virus presence.
The photo (left) is from an Australian
crop that had test results came back
positive for La France Virus Disease and
positive for ABV6 which is usually found
with AbV16 the BCMV (Brown Cap
Mushroom Virus).
The symptoms expressed include:
• Disruption to pinning leading to
bare patches which ‘spiral’ along
the affected bed
• Reduced yields
• Premature opening
• Dropped veils
• Off -white coloured mushrooms
(poor quality)
Mushroom Virus: Frustrating & Costly
Table 1 and Photo 1, 2 and 3 (right) were published in Mush TV Factsheet 02/15 titled Brown Cap Mushroom Virus (associated
with Mushroom Virus X) prevention. The factsheet is available on the internet.
1. Typical browning symptoms in a white mushroom crop.
2. Poor quality “off-colour” mushrooms. 3. Post-harvest browning and premature opening.
PREVENTION AND CONTROL the growing cycle are from cooldown emptying (from the bulk tunnel) and
in Phase II and casing. filling (into the growing container)
A fundamental part of the control of seems to combine maximum
any disease is understanding how it The trend in the mushroom industry opportunity for contamination and
spreads and develops and when the toward bulk handling compost enables maximum potential to produce and
crop is most vulnerable. viable particles of compost colonised disperse inoculum once it is itself
by mycelium being produced and infected.
The time of infection of virus is released into the air and onto and
critical to the amount of crop loss - into buildings and equipment and into
the earlier in the production cycle the the farm environment.
infection occurs the greater the losses
will be. The most vulnerable stages of The bulk Phase 3 compost process of
Australian Mushrooms Journal | Issue 4 -2020 23
%XON 3KDVH SURGXFWLRQ
/RWV RI YLDEOH FRPSRVW GHEULV DQG
IUDJPHQWV SURGXFHG
Source: Presentation by Dr Helen Grogan AHDB Mushroom Conference 2019 available on the internet.
It should not be assumed that only spread over a much wider area. these from processes such as
bulk compost handling systems are spawning, spawn-running and casing.
vulnerable because in the United The general strategy for successful
Kingdom MVX has been found on prevention and control of mushroom Ideally every site should develop its
a number of farms with various virus is based simply on good hygiene. own specific strategy based on its
combinations of site layout and own particular vulnerable areas.
production methods, including non- The first priority is to reduce the
bulk Phase 3 farms. potential sources of infection , which Judy Allan | Pest & Disease Service
are mushroom spores and mycelium P: 02 6767 1057
The common practice of mixing fragments. E: [email protected]
CAC’ing into the casing is a route
where a small virus infection could be The second priority is to exclude
DATE EVENT
1948 La France disease first described in Pennsylvania, USA.
1969
19nm, 25nm, 29nm and 19×50nm virus particles detected using electron microscope in Australia. This was around the same time similar particles were
Mid-to-late 60s detected in the UK, USA and The Netherlands.
1975-76
‘High incidence’ of virus noted in the paper Observations on Virus Disease of the Cultivated Mushroom, Agaricus bisporus, in Australia by NG Nair.
1987 A survey of 50 mushroom farms in NSW showed that virus disease appeared in 68% of the farms as reported in the paper Studies on the Behaviour of
Mushroom Spores in Relation to the Epidemiology of Virus Disease by NG Nair (1979).
1988-1992
Ongoing Australian National Mushroom Virus Survey conducted by Dr Richard Barton, an ex-mushroom virologist from GCRI in England
1996 Of 55 sites tested 19 (34.5%) were virus free and 36 sites (65.5%) had one or more infected shed.
2015
Virus Testing Scheme based on PCR method delivered by Institute of Plant Sciences, Burnley, Victoria in conjunction with the AMGA.
From 2015
2020 PCR Virus Testing for La France Disease available as a user-pays service from Burnley.
Mushroom Virus X (MVX) first described in UK.
Multiple viruses described in Mush TV, a collaborative European-funded research project. AbV16 identified as the Brown Cap Mushroom Virus (BCMV) MVX
browning symptom virus associated with MVX browning symptom.
Intermittent virus infections on individual farms dealt with via the Pest and Disease Management Service. No industry wide epidemics have been reported.
La France disease detected on at least one Australian farm. MVX-associated virus (AbV6) identified in Australia from symptomatic mushrooms. AbV6 is not
known to cause a specific symptom, but is found associated with AbV16, the virus responsible for the MVX browning symptom.
24 Australian Mushrooms Journal | Issue 4 -2020
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Source: HDC Factsheet 11/07 titled Mushroom Virus X (MVX) prevention by Richard Gaze and Helen Grogan
Australian Mushrooms Journal | Issue 4 -2020 25
26 Australian Mushrooms Journal | Issue 4 -2020
Australian Mushrooms Journal | Issue 4 -2020 27
EMXuAshMroINomATWIOhNitenOeFss
& IMPROVED SHELFLIFE
When it comes to mushrooms, there cytoplasm to mix with phenolic “Mushroom browning can also be
is a lot of truth in the saying that compounds normally kept separate related to disease. For example, a
consumers love white mushrooms, in the cell vacuole. This oxidative range of pseudomonas bacteria can
and the whiter the better in terms of reaction ends in the formation of the cause symptoms of bacterial blotch,
retail appeal. brown compound melanin. Melanin particularly Pseudomonas tolaasi.”
is not unique to mushrooms, but is
A recent levy-funded project responsible for the brown colour of “Interestingly, Pseudomonas tolaasi
undertaken by Applied Horticultural bruises and cuts on many fruit and can switch between a non-pathogenic
Research examined this issue, looking vegetables. ‘rough’ type and a pathogenic
at innovations to improve mushroom ‘smooth’ form that releases the toxin
whiteness and shelflife. “This browning is affected by tolaasin. It is this toxin that results
many different factors, such as in the intense, brown staining we are
Project leader, Dr Jenny Ekman variety, environment and nutrition. familiar with in infected mushrooms.”
explained the aim was to conduct a What’s more, the reaction is not
global review of all the practices that instantaneous but occurs over time. “This second form relies on the
can improve mushroom whiteness, If a mushroom is bruised, it might right environmental conditions –
from pre and postharvest through to initially appear to be undamaged, essentially anything that makes
growing techniques. but over a 24-48 hour period, that mushrooms wet – to switch to that
bruising can continue to develop.” pathogenic type. Things like low bed
“The extensive desktop review temperatures, low evaporation rates
revealed an enormous amount of “The damage can be more severe if after irrigation, poor air circulation,
research on mushroom quality, mushrooms are bruised after harvest condensation or just poor nutrition
particularly in China, which is leading compared to during picking. This is can all cause wetness and blotch and
the way in this area.” probably due to a loss of structure are key factors in why mushrooms
within the cells themselves, as turn brown.”
“From this review, we have then they start to lose some membrane
worked to clarify the opportunities for integrity.” She said these issues, along with
the Australian industry, and identify others like low humidity, senescence
areas that require additional work to SIZE AND MATURITY AND and high temperatures all lead to
be more commercially applicable.” DISEASE membrane destruction, with the
resulting oxidising reactions that
MUSHROOM BROWNING Dr Ekman said the study showed that cause mushroom browning.
open mushrooms tend to be more
Dr Ekman said the main reason susceptible to bruising than closed CROP PRODUCTION AND
mushrooms turn brown is physical caps, with third flush mushrooms also NUTRITION
damage. If cells are squashed or cut, more susceptible to bruising than
the internal membranes rupture. earlier flushes. Dr Ekman said some of the research
This allows enzymes in the cell papers examined during the
project had pointed to the effect
of supplements on the whiteness
of mushrooms, particularly during
storage.
“A lot of growers are adding
supplements to compost, and less
commonly to casing to stimulate
pinning and yield. To date, there has
been quite a lot of research examining
the effect of supplements on yield,
with many indicating minimal effects
on colour.”
28 Australian Mushrooms Journal | Issue 4 -2020 Mushroom Whiteness & Improved Shelflife
“However, the research for this
project discovered some papers
highlighting that supplements can
have a big effect on the whiteness of
mushrooms during storage.”
She said one Iranian paper showed
that supplementing the casing with
corn or soybean meal allowed the
mushrooms to keep their white colour
much better during storage.
“To me, this is an exciting finding, Effect of supplementing casing with 10g/kg corn or soybean meal (average of both
and from an Australian perspective treatments) on whiteness index of stored mushrooms. Derived from Adibian and
it would be interesting to look Mami, 2015
more closely at how the commercial
supplements currently being used
affect storage quality and whiteness.”
IRRIGATION
Dr Ekman also detailed the
importance of irrigation to the
mushroom whitening equation,
explaining that the right moisture
content in the casing is critical to
growing good quality mushrooms.
“Too little water and you get scaly Mushrooms irrigated with tap water (left) or 0.3% CaCI2 (right) following six days
caps, and with too much water you storage at 30C (AHR data).
get blotch, so it is tough to get right.
One of the rules of thumb is that CHLORINE DIOXIDE “Irrigation with 0.3% calcium chloride
casing should be approximately 60% in solution at the start of pinning has
water by volume, but in practice, “Using stabilised chlorine dioxide was been shown to improve whiteness
maintaining casing at that water pioneered more than 20 years ago, at harvest, reduce susceptibility to
volume is quite difficult, because of but it is still relevant today. It is more bruising, double the calcium content
drawdown during flushing.” effective than other chlorine sources, of mushrooms and reduce postharvest
such as sodium hypochlorite (bleach), browning.”
“After irrigation, it is important to in controlling bacterial blotch as it
dry the crop within four hours - is active at a wide range of pH and “Experience shows that while there
essentially you need to get the water reacts with specific compounds rather may not be a lot of difference in the
on, and then get it off the caps.” than all organic matter.” first flush, but by the time the third
flush occurs there are major benefits,
MOISTURE LEVELS “The issue, however, is that while with a huge difference in the amount
irrigation with chlorine dioxide of calcium in the mushrooms.”
Dr Ekman explained that high at 50ppm can potentially reduce
moisture levels could increase yield, bacterial blotch, improve whiteness at “The calcium is not absorbed directly
but this is often achieved at the harvest, and increase storage life, it is into the mushroom, but is taken
expense of mushroom dry matter. not registered for use at this level.” up from the casing. There is no
significant effect on yield.”
“Some research undertaken by Barry Dr Ekman explained that while
et al. shows that mushrooms with chlorine dioxide was widely used to Dr Ekman explained that a trial was
high dry matter can be less white at disinfect drinking water and was conducted at the Marsh Lawson
harvest. The trade-off, demonstrated registered for use as a sanitiser for Research Institute to look at the
in other research, is that the treating water for mushrooms, it was impact of using 0.3% calcium chloride
mushrooms with high dry matter stay only at 5ppm. It can also be used to in solution.
white longer, whereas mushrooms disinfect equipment at 100ppm, she
with low dry matter can brown during said. The trial treated mushrooms with
just one week of storage.” the calcium chloride solution, with
CALCIUM CHLORIDE the colour at harvest recorded and
Another important consideration with the mushrooms then stored in a
irrigation, she said, was the potential Another candidate with the potential refrigerator in an overwrapped
to add beneficial products to the to be used as an additive to irrigation punnet.
water. water is calcium chloride.
Australian Mushrooms Journal | Issue 4 -2020 29
She said the trial mirrored the OTHER OPTIONS Managing the irrigation process
projected results, with some using moisture probes, as do other
difference in the first flush, not a lot Dr Ekman said the use of a “Calclear” vegetable and fruit industries, is
of difference in the second flush, and unit was currently being promoted another option, she said.
a visible difference in the third flush. with hydroponic vegetable production.
“It is interesting that moisture
The questions she said is that if it is “Water is passed through an probes are not currently used in the
so good, why is it not being used now electromagnetic field, which is mushroom industry, and one of the
and how does it work? claimed to keep calcium irons in issues I understand is that the sensors
solution rather than forming into used for soil are not suitable for use
“One theory is that the calcium tends crystals. The objective is to prevent in casing and substrate. There are,
to block the uptake of copper, which scale in irrigation systems. By doing however, new sensors that could be
is associated with melatonin and this, it may also make calcium more more suitable, and I believe it could
oxidisation activity. Calcium also available, which may well make it be worth testing to see if that would
increases the strength of the cell worth trialling with mushrooms.” improve results in mushrooms.”
membranes protecting them from
cellular damage and bruising.” Another option discussed is sodium She also pointed to another
selenite, a selenium additive to development, the Netafim mushroom
Unfortunately, calcium chloride is irrigation water. According to Dr master subsurface drip system.
not registered for application to Ekman, there has been some work
mushrooms in irrigation water. that shows it increases whiteness at This system she explained, essentially
However it is a permitted ingredient harvest and increases storage life. copies what vegetable production
in foods and drinks under FSANZ has been doing for years, and while
regulations, and is generally “It also increased selenium content in it delivers similar yield, the quality is
recognised as safe by the United the mushrooms to 60μg per hundred greatly improved.
States Food and Drug Administration. grams, which is approximately the
recommended daily intake for adults.” “By using this system, irrigation can
E-WATER continue during harvest without
She explained that selenium is wetting the caps, and the moisture
Among other irrigation water seen as protective against certain content can be held constant
treatments, ‘E-water’, which is cancers, however 40% of women and throughout the cropping cycle.”
created by passing an electric current 25% are deficient in selenium. This
through water containing trace suggests selenium supplementation “Keeping moisture off the caps means
elements of salts, is becoming very could provide a potential marketing that there is no bacterial blotch, and
popular with vegetable growers. opportunity for mushrooms in the nutrients can also be put through the
future. drippers.”
“E-water is approved for organic
production because you are just Dr Ekman said a range of other “The manufacturers of the system
generating active components within products had also been trialed in claim cost savings through a reduction
the existing water supply, including China, such as brassinosteroids. of 30% in the casing material, and
chlorine ions. For mushrooms, such a the drip lines can be reused several
low level of continuous chlorine may “Brassinosteroids are extracted from times. Understandably the system
be quite useful,” Dr Ekman said. brassica plants such as broccoli, so is only going to be suitable for shelf
are recognised as safe. It acts as systems. It would be interesting to
PLASMA ACTIVATED WATER an antioxidant to stop that enzyme examine the overall cost benefits and
reaction and protect the mushroom whether it could be applied in the
Dr Ekman said plasma-activated water from browning.” Australian context.”
(PAW) was an exciting new area of
research. IRRIGATION HANDLING
“PAW can kill surface bacteria and Dr Ekman said optimised irrigation Dr Ekman said that from a quality
some good initial results have been was essential for the production of perspective, temperature was
reported. However, it degrades good quality mushrooms. by far the most important factor
quite quickly so it needs to be used postharvest.
immediately.”
“Where possible mushroom should
be cooled below 4° within an hour of
harvest. The gold standard is vacuum
cooling, which is both energy-efficient
and fast and is already used on a lot
of mushroom farms.”
The Netafim “Mushroom Master” drip irrigation system (left), and the insertion “Interestingly, some research has
unit on a Thilot head filler. From Raz et al., 2016. been undertaken that suggests the
vacuum cooling process reduces
the enzyme activity inside the
mushroom and therefore reduces the
30 Australian Mushrooms Journal | Issue 4 -2020
browning reaction. The vacuum cooled
mushrooms, are slower to brown than
room cooled mushrooms, a difference
not accounted for just by the cooling
rate.”
Dr Ekman outline that once
mushrooms have been cooled,
they need to be kept cold with the
temperature maintained as evenly as
possible.
“Minimising temperature fluctuation
reduces condensation, reduces
moisture loss, and importantly
reduces bacterial blotch.”
“A room with poor temperature Increases in browning during storage at 40C of vacuum cooled or room cooled
management – even by just 1° – mushrooms. Derived from Tao et al., 2007.
impacts the relative humidity. Every
time temperature goes up and down
there is potential for condensation on
the mushrooms. The result is moisture
loss and increased bacterial blotch.”
“Minimising fluctuations inside the Differences in bruise susceptibility of a rnage of first flush hybrid mushrooms,
room can be achieved by restricting photographed 60 minutes after bruising. From Gao et al., 2013.
door opening, using air curtains,
improving insulation and loading electrical field to generate ozone “While non-browning mushrooms have
directly onto trucks.” around the mushrooms. After a been produced using this method, they
period of storage, it was shown have not yet been commercialised, so
NOVEL TREATMENTS that the mycelium was more intact is a matter of watch this space for
in the treated than the untreated future developments.”
Some of the novel treatments mushrooms. Those mushrooms
examined within the project include exposed to ozone have stayed whiter Dr Ekman said the project highlights a
fumigation with 1-MCP and the use of for longer, essentially by controlling range of options that may be worthy
ozone in storage. bacterial blotch and reducing the of consideration for further research
activity of those oxidative enzymes.” investment. These include additions
The use of 1-MCP has revolutionised to irrigation water, improved
the storage of apples worldwide and MUSHROOM BREEDING irrigation methods, examining the
is also used for pears, persimmons effects of commercial supplements on
and broccoli. It works by effectively Dr Ekman said a range of work was postharvest quality, the use of 1-MCP
blocking the effects of ethylene and is underway in the area of mushroom and ozone, and further developments
undetectable in the finished product. breeding. in the area of mushroom breeding.
“While mushrooms are not particularly “Given the narrow pathway that A “Best Bets” summary of the work
ethylene sensitive, trials involving the results in the formation of melanin undertaken through this project has
use of 1-MCP yielded surprisingly good in mushrooms, particularly the small been compiled and is available from
results, with the treated mushrooms number of genes associated with the following link: https://bit.ly/
visibly whiter up to 11 days in these browning reactions, work has whiteness-best-bets
storage.” focused on removing these genes.
Dr Jenny Ekman| Applied Horticultural
She explained that the use of ozone “The use of CRISPR (clustered Research
in storage is another way to inhibit regularly interspaced short P: 0407 384 285
the effects of ethylene. New systems palindromic repeats) technology E: [email protected]
allow it to be applied safely in allows the targeting and removal of
rooms, using automatic lockouts and specific genes. This process, however,
monitoring systems. is not without controversy. Despite
the United States Food and Drug
“The use of ozone would be Administration ruling that mushrooms
interesting as a treatment to reduce bred in this way are not transgenic,
the spread of bacterial growth and several anti-genetic modification
disease in rooms.” groups are campaigning against this
approach.”
“In terms of its impact on mushroom
whiteness, trials have been
undertaken using a high voltage
Australian Mushrooms Journal | Issue 4 -2020 31
TRIALS OF RECYCLED
ORGANICS IN MUSHROOM
PCARSOINMGIDSIENLIGVERRSESULTS
Recent Australian trials on recycled making it a highly available product.” types of materials to produce
organics undertaken by Applied consistent results.”
Horticultural Research considered the The first step in the project, he said,
feasibility of providing some partial was to look at work that has already In terms of water holding capacity,
replacement for peat in mushroom been done in this area. Earlier work the three variations of recycled
casing material. undertaken by Ralph Noble in the organics product were all slightly
United Kingdom found that a mix of lower than the 76% level of the peat.
In a recent webinar for Australian 12.5% recycled organics blended in
industry participants, lead researcher with the peat worked well and did not Mr Goldwater said in terms of
Adam Goldwater said Australia reduce overall yields of mushrooms. salt content, which is presented
currently uses 25,000 tons of peat When the percentage blend increased, as electrical conductivity (EC),
casing in mushroom production each yields subsequently declined. the recycled organics product was
year. substantially higher (up to 2.4 for the
From this point, the decision was recycled organics compared to 0.4 for
The process of sourcing this casing taken to look at differences in peat).
is not only expensive but also Australia and see if a mix ratio above
unsustainable as it is a limited 12.5% could be achieved to make it “Given previous findings that salt
resource. Peatlands store quite a useful for the Australian industry. content can be a limiting factor, we
lot of carbon, and draining those conducted some trials to flush or
peatlands releases a substantial In total three trials were conducted leach out some of those salts. The
amount of greenhouse gas. from January 2020 this year through process was fairly basic as we put it
to August at the Marsh Lawson in a tub with water, mixed it around
Mr Goldwater said 10% of all Mushroom Research Unit based at the and then flushed it out several times.
greenhouse gas emissions from University of Sydney. While it may be possible to undertake
agriculture, fisheries and forestry this process on an increased
come from draining peatlands, making Mr Goldwater said the next step was commercial scale, we were able to
this practice an easy target for to look at the physical and chemical reduce the EC by half in the recycled
governments looking to reduce carbon analysis of the peat to determine organics, following this simple step.”
emissions. the characteristics required from the
different recycled organics products. “The other aspect considered was
“The clear risk to the industry is that the airspace inside the casing, which
future peat extraction may come In terms of pH, the peat was around is important for gas exchange in the
under government pressure, with 7.5, and while there were three quite compost through to the air. Air-filled
peat becoming not only more difficult different batches of recycled organics porosity in the peat was about 11%,
to obtain but also increasingly product, there were similar pH levels with the recycled organics product
expensive.” in the various batches used in the varying from between 10% up to
trial, he said. In terms of available 35%.
He explained the project looked at nitrogen, one of the batches was
the potential of casing using compost quite similar to peat, while another He said in overall terms, there was
made from recycled organics which was quite a lot higher due to the age a range of identifiable differences
is readily available and is about one of the product. in three batches of recycled
third the price of peat, depending on organics, and the trials were an ideal
supply. “Interestingly he said, while growers opportunity to determine whether
would ideally like a consistent these have an impact on yield.
“New South Wales alone produced product, all three of the materials
around 1,000,000 m³ a year in 2012, were unique, and the approach was Mr Goldwater said the recycled
and this has continued to increase, to determine the ability of different organics product was produced by
32 Australian Mushrooms Journal | Issue 4 -2020 Trials In Recycled Organics In Mushroom Casing
Figure 1. Mushroom beds prior to second flush harvest in trial 1. Yields were very similar for 25% recycled organics and the
peat only control.
Australian Native Landscapes to Mr Goldwater said the results of the level to the peat control. We did
Australian Standard 4454, meaning it first trial showed a striking similarity try a 75% blend to see what would
is safe for producing food. Once the in yield between the peat only and happen, and that was down against
materials were received, they were the 25% recycled organics product, a our control.”
re-pasteurised just in case any fungal slight decline was seen with the 50%
pathogens were introduced, with a recycled organics, and a noticeable “The striking thing to note is that
couple of beds left unpasteurised as a drop with the 100% recycled organics the 25% blend worked well, as well
checkpoint. product. as our 50% leached blend. It is also
interesting when you look across
The three trials were conducted with The first trial also showed very little the trials that there was a level of
distinctly different products. The difference between the pasteurised consistency in terms of yields, despite
first trial consisted of quite a fine and unpasteurised 25% blend, he said. using very different casing materials.
mature product, while the second In terms of the need to pasteurise the
trial was more coarse and less mature From those initial results, attention recycled organics product, there was
and broken down, and the final trial was then focused on establishing no evidence of disease on the beds,
material was quite fine and slightly whether the 50% composted recycled and so we now believe that extra
gritty. organics could be made to work pasteurisation step is not required.”
better. As part of this process, the
The process for the trials was to blend salts were flushed out by leaching, Mr Goldwater highlighted that the use
the recycled organics product in with enabling the 50% recycled organics of recycled organics was also able to
the Topterra peat moss, casing Phase product to then deliver a yield that deliver quality mushrooms.
3 compost bags, with four of the bags is right on par with the control using
per trial for each treatment. Water just peat. “Even with the third flush, both the
was added to the recycled organics 25% and the 50% recycled organics
to bring it up to the same moisture Mr Goldwater said the approach blends delivered a nice spread across
content as the peat. revealed a significant difference the bed, with good quality mushrooms
between the leached and the non- and little real difference between
A trial control was established using leached recycled organics at 50% mix. the two. Both returned results very
the standard commercial practice of similar to the peat only casing.”
just peat. “The results encouraged us to try
and repeat the process. In trial three “In terms of production, none of the
The trials then consisted of a 25% we achieved a very similar, almost treatments have altered the size
blend, a 50% blend, 75% blend and identical result, with the 50% leached profile significantly, although the
a 100% blend. The mushrooms were mix again performing very similar to 50% leached recycled organics mix
picked targeting a 40 to 55mm size the peat. The 50% mix that was not delivered slightly more in the 50 mm
across the three flushes. leached was slightly down, and our class.
25% blends performed at a similar
Australian Mushrooms Journal | Issue 4 -2020 33
Figure 2. Mushroom yields in trials 1, 2 and 3 testing casing blends of peat and composted recycled organics. Vertical lines on
columns represent the standard error of the mean.
Importantly the use of the different of flushing the salt out of the recycled and the mushrooms were inclined to
casing materials did not result in a organics product, to try and push up be a bit on the spongy side, and they
sudden shift to a much smaller or a the percentage of recycled organics wanted to open early. On the recycled
much larger mushroom.” used in the overall casing mix. organics material, the mushrooms held
the quality, they were hard, and they
In terms of costs savings, Mr He said any producers looking for a were whiter. It took a bit of getting
Goldwater explained that compost recycled organics supplier could look used to, and I found there was a little
made from recycled organics could be up the directory on the Australian bit of over pinning on the second
obtained for around $50 cubic metre, Organics Recycling Association break, so to overcome that we grew
compared to peat at about three website. They should check to ensure the crop at 20°C air temperature.
times that price. For a 50% blend, he it is compliant with Australian When we got over pinning on the
said, there is potentially a 33% cost Standards 4454, making it safe for second break, we went to 27°C for
saving, which is significant. use for food production, Mr Goldwater an hour and a half, and then dropped
said. back to 20°C, and that pruned the
“Although peat might not be the crop and gave us excellent yield.
highest cost in mushroom production,
as its availability comes into question HIGHLIGHTED POTENTIAL There was a definite improvement
and costs rise, this saving could be Cost saving based on 40L casing/m2 in the quality attributes of the
even more attractive.” mushrooms grown in the trials. In
• Recycled organics - $50/ any future trials, I think density
Mr Goldwater suggested the potential m3 (of the mushroom caps) would be
was there for some growers to test an excellent aspect to measure. I
these products, starting with a 25% • Peat - $150/m3 also think an overall analysis of the
recycled organics blend over a small • Pure peat casing = $6/m2 mushroom would be good to see if we
area of the farm. • 50% RO blend = $4/m2 can increase the nutrients and trace
elements in the mushrooms.
“It should also be noted that our = 33% potential saving
trials took into account just three The project was supported by the
products from one supplier, and there NOTES FROM THE GROWER NSW Government’s Organics Market
are a large number of suppliers out Development Program under Waste
there with products of different During the trials, Graham Price Less Recycle More, funded from the
specifications. Trying some of these was responsible for growing the waste levy.
products would be good, particularly mushrooms. The following are his
if we can ultimately create a thoughts about the growing process Adam Goldwater | AHR
specification for an ‘optimal blend’ throughout the trials. M: 0466 080 693
that delivers good results.” E: [email protected]
What I found was towards the end of
He also suggested that further work each break, peat moss seems to fail,
could be undertaken to look at ways
34 Australian Mushrooms Journal | Issue 4 -2020
Australian Mushrooms Journal | Issue 4 -2020 35
ADMCEUTVISVEHELRCOAOPSOIMNMGENSOTISLS:
Geoff Martin perhaps an early example
of the mushroom industry’s
Dr Mush Advisory impact on the environment.
In the vast majority of cases,
In the last edition of the Australian the soil was used as dug
Mushrooms Journal, I discussed the without any sterilisation or
modern hybrid mushroom strains chemical treatment of any
which had been developed by Dr Gerda kind, so you can imagine the
Fritsche. When growers started to disease problems faced by
trial these early hybrids, it became early growers. In the 1950s,
quickly apparent to get the best yield Dr Sinden rated casing soil
and quality required a more ‘active’ the top vector of disease and
casing soil. But before detailing weed moulds, lamenting that,
what constitutes an ‘active’ casing “Of the six major disease
soil today, it might pay to go back problems at the Butler County
in history a little and discuss what Mushroom Farm Mine, five of
growers previously used for casing. them probably came into the
mine with casing soil”.
CASING: A POTTED HISTORY
As time went by some of the
Commercial-scale mushroom growing more innovative growers
took off in the 1930s. In the started to use steam to
Kennett Square area of Pennsylvania, pasteurise soil dug for casing,
glasshouse carnation growers, mostly others used formaldehyde!
of Italian extraction, started to
grow mushrooms under the staging As for Australia, in the
used for their flowers. In the United
Kingdom, long crop tomato growers Hawkesbury mushroom Chester County Clay Loam Soil - Top 12 inches
along the Sussex Coast began to grow growing area, topsoil was used by Pennsylvanian Mushroom Growers for
mushrooms as a cash crop in the off- used exclusively as a casing on
season. outdoor ridge beds. On farms their casing.
The casing medium used by the with a clay loam topsoil, the As growing moved indoors, there was
majority of early mushroom growers soil between the ridge beds was a surge of interest in incorporating
was clay loam topsoils dug straight cultivated with a rotary hoe and peat into casing soil mixes. Initially,
from the paddock. One exception was scooped up onto the ridges using light blond sphagnum peat was
French cave growers who used marl, specially adapted spades. For those imported from Europe and eventually
a sticky calcium carbonate mud; early farms located on sandy soils, heavier imported sphagnum or local sedge
on Dutch growers used marl too. clay loam soils were brought up from peats mixed with lime replaced
wetter areas near creeks, mixed with the use of soil dug from paddocks
Some of the experimental papers lime and then the casing mix was completely.
published by the late Dr Jim Sinden applied by hand to the ridge beds.
and his associates highlighted the
widespread use of Chester County clay Soil for casing ridge beds continued In the early 1950s, at the newly
loam soils for casing by Pennsylvanian to be used well into the mid-1960s. It opened Mushroom Grower’ Association
growers. In the 1940s so much of this was around this time that the outdoor test facility at Yaxley UK, Edwards
particular clay loam soil was being ridge bed operations were phased out and Flegg, assisted by Stoller from
used for casing that many fields were as growers moved their ridge beds Pennsylvania, researched the use
denuded, and in being lowered they under roof and latterly started to of peat as an alternative to soil for
were frequently underwater; showing pack compost into wooden trays or on casing. It is these researchers, as
shelving using the ‘American Double’ well as the Dutch researcher Bels-
system. Koning working concurrently in the
Netherlands, who are credited with
36 Australian Mushrooms Journal | Issue 4 -2020 Mushroom Developments: Active Casing Soils
the widespread use of peat for casing plus Kg/m2 of mushrooms on a first capacity of the clay at the interface
in the 1950s and 1960s, a practice break, the volume of material moved between the mycelium and structural
which continues unabated today. through the mycelial network in a aggregates ensures that during the
short period of time is staggering. In growing process mycelial strands do
As a soil scientist, I believe the order to move that kind of volume of not dry out and desiccate, especially
improvements in mushroom yields water and nutrient requires a sparse during the pin-setting phase.
which accompanied the use of peat as thick turgid mycelial network. A mass
a casing soil-related more to the fact of thin spindly mycelial strands will So, if we think that clay-sized
that sphagnum-based casing, with not be able to transport a sufficient fractions and the charged surfaces
its very low pH, is relatively disease- volume of water and nutrient from are so important where do they come
free, rather than any other underlying the compost to support the weight of from?
property. Indeed, the use of dried flush, which the grower needs to be
light blond sphagnum peat meant that economic. There are essentially three sources:
casing soil lost much of the water-
holding capability characteristics So how does the clay component 1. The amorphous fraction of wet
associated with the now missing clay of the casing soil work to help the ‘deep-dug’ peat.
fraction of the earlier soil mixes. grower produce the thick turgid
mycelial network? I believe that the 2. Microfine limes, usually from
CASING: WHAT MAKES IT clay component acts in the following sugar processing.
‘ACTIVE’? manner.
3. Mineral clays, 2:1 lattice types
So having raced through a brief First, it allows the casing to be such as calcium saturated
potted history of casing, it is time to applied as small to medium subangular bentonite and other clay-sized
discuss what physical properties of a blocky structures, about the size of fractions from coal washing or
casing soil make it ‘Active’ and why your thumbnail; this, in turn, helps quarry slurries.
it’s essential when growing modern set up the pathways required for the
hybrid strains. thick turgid strands. If the casing is So, let’s examine the three sources in
initially applied as a crumb structure, turn.
Soil scientists make use of a textural then too many fine mycelial strands
triangle to describe the ‘feel’, will develop, which can cause too DEEP DUG PEAT
or texture of a soil. The texture many pins to develop which cannot be
is dependent upon the relative sustained later. I wonder how many readers have
proportions of sand, silt and clay- heard of the Von Post Index of Peat
sized fractions found in the soil being Second, the presence of clay within Decomposition? Von Post was a
studied. Clay sized particles are those the structural aggregates gives Swedish geologist who specialised
that are less than two microns or two the casing a huge water-holding in the study of pollen types in peat
thousands of a millimetre in diameter. capability, which excludes mycelium which he used to track climate change
from the centres of the structural over the past 15,000 years.
Because of their microscopic size, clay aggregates forcing the system to
particles impart some very important develop the required thick turgid The Von Post index was developed
properties to soil; they have a large strands. to classify the peat layers he was
surface area per unit volume, and studying. The index is scaled from
this gives them a large capillary Third, the large water holding one to ten. The higher the number,
water holding capacity. Depending the older, more decomposed and
upon the type of clay, one gram amorphous the peat is said to be.
can have a surface area of between
10 m2 for kaolinite and as high as
800 m2 for an expanding clay, such
as montmorillonite! Clay particles
typically are negatively charged, and
this allows them to hold positively
charged metal ions; they are said to
be ‘Active’!
The late Dr Sinden gave a paper Optimal Casing Mycelium Growth - thick turgid mycelial strands with blocky areas
at the South African Mushroom of exclusion.
Farmers’ Association Conference in
1988, illustrating the importance of
the casing mycelial network linking
the compost to the fruit bodies. I
was particularly struck by the sheer
volume of water and nutrients which
had to be conveyed over 72 hours
from the compost to the fruit bodies.
For those who claim to be growing 20
Australian Mushrooms Journal | Issue 4 -2020 37
Amorphous peat has a large surface
area of charged particles, related
to the presence of carboxyl ions.
This characteristic gives the peat
substantial water holding capacity.
The only problem with peat is that
once the amorphous material dries
out, the effect of the carboxyl ion
is lost and the peat is difficult to
wet up again, i.e. the peat becomes
hydrophobic.
The blond peats used from the 1950s
to the late 1980s and which North
American growers still use have a von
Post index of two or three and an
inherent low water-holding capability,
which is reduced further if heat
dried for shipment. The wet deep
dug peats used to prepare European
style casing mixes from the 1980s
through to today have a von Post
index of between eight and ten, with
admixtures of brown peats, which
have a Von Post index of four to
seven.
MICRO-FINE LIMES
Other than chalks, such as those of
the Upper Cretaceous strata in the UK,
ground limestone used in casing soils
have sand and silt-sized particles with
absolutely no water holding colloidal
properties.
The technique of generating micro- Above: Deep Dug Irish Peat. Below: Canadian Blond Peat - Von Post Index - 2 - 3
fine calcium carbonate for filtering
and clarifying sugar beet liquor was MINERAL CLAYS calcium saturated since that type of
developed by Jelinek and Frey of clay encourages casing particles to
Prague in 1863. Micro-fine calcium In an attempt to emulate a Dutch- form aggregates. Sodium saturated
carbonate is generated by the action style casing soil on a commercial bentonite causes soil particles to
of bubbling carbon dioxide gas basis, I have used a calcium saturated disperse and is of little value as a
through a mixture of the sugar liquor bentonite clay with a brown casing soil amendment. Bentonite is a
to which calcium hydroxide solution sphagnum peat and ground limestone 2:1 lattice clay. The clay units rapidly
has been added. as a casing mix on an operation casing expand and contract with wetting and
3,500 m2 of growing area per week drying, and when moist, the clay units
The resulting calcium carbonate so with great success. With this casing are coated with a film of water five
formed has particles of less than mix, it is possible to water up to 35 to ten molecules thick.
two microns in size, exhibits colloidal litres per m2 between the first and
properties, is negatively charged, second flushes. Even visiting Dutch One of the attributes of a 2:1
attracts particles to its surface and growers thought it was an imported lattice clay is that it becomes
in so doing filters soil impurities European style casing! hydrophilic when dry. So if a casing
from the sugar. The final precipitated soil containing calcium bentonite
material is available as a waste by- The bentonite clay used should be dries out, it can be rapidly rewetted,
product from sugar plants in the form
of sugar beet lime or filter press/mud
from sugarcane mills.
This type of material is a major
component of European styled casing
mixes; its introduction was very much
influenced by the work of Visscher,
undertaken in the 1970s and 1980s at
the Horst Dutch Mushroom Research
Station.
38 Australian Mushrooms Journal | Issue 4 -2020
which is not the case with a straight
sphagnum peat-based casing soil
containing ground limestone.
Mined calcium saturated bentonite is
quite expensive, and so researchers
have looked for other cheaper waste
products which contain clay-sized
colloidal material. Dr Noble, a UK
based mushroom researcher, has
patented the use of coal washery and
other waste streams which contain
clay-sized fractions from stone
crushing plants for use in casing soil.
Today in the UK, a good proportion German Black Peat - Carmine Callisto of Global Axis examines wet dug German
of casing soils not only contain sugar Black Peat.
beet lime but also up to 30% of
milled rolled fines (MRF) from stone limestone from South Yorkshire was of the casing mix and looking back,
crushing plants. By using a large used, and because of disease issues, what was being done, without perhaps
proportion of clay colloidal material this was subsequently replaced with having a real understanding, was
in casing soils, derived from deep dug heat-treated micro-fine chalk. Chalk progressively increasing the relative
peats and sugar beet lime, we have in the UK is from the Cretaceous proportion of the clay-sized fraction
come full circle. The approach is now geological era; it was formed in deep of the casing soil and increasing its
very close to the pre-1950s practice water, being the skeletal structure of capillary water-holding capability.
of using a clay loam soil as the ideal microscopic sponge-like organisms.
medium for casing, without, of course, The use of a casing inoculum is
the inherent disease risk in using soil So what we were effectively doing common practice today, but in the
straight from the paddock. was increasing the clay-sized (less early 1980s was yet to be adopted.
than two microns) fraction of our So, when we first started to grow
CASING: MY RECOLLECTIONS casing soil and increasing its capillary modern hybrids, to get the best
water holding capacity. Mushroom results and an even pin set a
So, the above is the theory, why yields from the L&P mixes with the technique was used known as ruffling.
modern hybrids require an active micro-fine chalk always outperformed The casing was colonised by mycelium
casing soil, now for the journey. At the straight baled Irish peat mixes growing upwards from the compost.
Middlebrook Mushrooms in Selby, with ground limestone, sometimes by
North Yorkshire, where I was Technical as much as 5 Kg/m2. When the mycelium was about 15 mm
Manager in the early 1980s, we liked from the top of the casing, on about
to think that we were one step ahead In the 1970s, Dutch growers started Day six after application, a ruffling
of the pack, being the third-largest incorporating sugar beet lime and a machine was used to turn and mix the
grower in the UK and the largest proportion of heavier German black mycelium through the casing layer
family-owned operation at that time peat into their casing mixes for off- completely. The ruffled layer was
too. On reflection, the work we did white strains grown for processing. allowed to re-anastomose, and then
at the time with casing soil put us The introduction of the hybrid strains on day ten set fresh air.
five to ten years ahead of other UK in 1982, combined with the work of
growers. Visscher, saw an escalation in the The practice known as ‘cacing’,
use of heavier casing mixes. But the (compost at casing), was nothing new
The Bord de Mona (Irish Peat Board) resulting material was nowhere near to the UK industry but was avoided
peat most UK growers used in the late as heavy as the casing mixes being by most growers. Experiments with
1970s and early 1980s, was supplied used today. In 1983, sugar beet lime the technique in the early 1960s -
in 200-litre bales. The Irish peat had was trialled in the casing mix on our at a time when many farms were
been partly dried before baling, which Selby farms, and major improvements suffering from extensive ‘Le France’
adversely reduces its water holding in yield and quality on hybrid strains virus disease - had virtually wiped out
capability, and the peat becomes were observed. many operations. In the early 1980s,
hydrophobic; that is, it repels water. the emerging Irish bag growing
Fortunately, there was a sugar beet industry was in its infancy and
To counter this, the dry Irish peat factory at Brigg in North Lincolnshire renewed efforts by McKenna at the
was mixed in a large ribbon mixer close by with an unlimited supply of Kinsealy Research Centre in Ireland
with a very heavy wet dug sphagnum sugar beet lime, which was weathered to re-introduce ‘cacing’ had met with
peat sourced from the London and on a disused WW2 airfield. In terms some success.
Provincial Peat (L&P) bogs near
Carlisle in the Lake District. The
resulting mix was left for a week to
ten days to equilibrate.
To control pH, a ground carboniferous
Australian Mushrooms Journal | Issue 4 -2020 39
UK growers followed this with some JVoAe LVEa:n Dorresteyn
interest, and around 1984, the
Hauser spawn company introduced a The AMGA and the wider to implement the first Dutch-
commercially produced sterile casing mushroom industry would like type shelf system, raising
inoculum (CI). I suspect the early CI to pass on its condolences the roof of the farm to
mixtures were propagated on a sterile to the family of Joe Van accommodate the equipment
base of compost and peat, and of Dorresteyn who passed away in imported from Holland.
course, Hauser kept details of their August.
media secret. The vermiculite and He was instrumental in having
bran mixtures common today came Joe was one of a number of Pieter Vedder from the Dutch
later. hard working immigrants Training School in Horst,
who changed the face of Holland come to Australia
UK growers experimented with CI the industry, adopting and to train people of the new
with much success; the extra points introducing new technology technology.
of inoculum throughout the casing as the industry expanded in
reduced the time needed for complete the Hawkesbury Valley in the His actions opened the doors
colonisation. As a consequence, the 1950s. for many other growers who
first day of picking the first flush subsequently visited Holland,
moved from the 21 days after casing He joined the AMGA in 1964 returning with new ideas and
with ruffling to 15 days after casing and was a Director for four new technology to improve
with CI, a major step forward. years. For his work he was the growing of mushrooms in
made a life member of the Australia.
However, what became apparent was Association in 2001.
that, without careful management, Joe was a director and part
the combination of CI with light John Miller OAM in his book of the group that formed
peat lead to over colonisation and “Reminiscences of a Fun’gi” “Windsor Farm Food” which
mycelium block out of the casing claims Joe was introduced was originally known as the
layer. to mushrooms when he co-op in Vineyard and later in
jumped over the back fence Windsor.
More and more growers started to of the Scheyville hostel and
use heavier casing mixes; with the was walking down Hession In 1979 a group of growers
development of the even more prolific Road at Oakville past Gerry set up Mushroom Composters
hybrids introduced in the early 1990s Berenschot’s farm. Pty Ltd at Ebenezer, which was
the type of casing mixes we are used managed by Joe.
to using today became obligatory Gerry reportedly asked him
to get the best out of the improved whether he was “a Hollander”, His presence will be greatly
strains. Of course, today, most invited him in for a coffee and missed by all who had the
growers use compost for their casing Joe stayed to help. privilege of knowing him.
inoculum as the most cost-effective
option. According to the book Joe grew
mushrooms outside in ridge
Australian growers started to import beds, with Gerry teaching him
heavy ready mixed casing from the growing methods and with
Europe in the mid-1990s; this material Joe helping Gerry with the
is a vital component in achieving composting.
the 35 - 40 Kg/m2 plus yields which
our industry is achieving on Phase 3 He moved to growing inside
compost today. renting out American double
shelf sheds from Billy Clark and
Let’s hope that the environmental Eric Hanckel at properties along
hubris engulfing the sphagnum peat Oakville and Saunders Roads.
bogs in certain European countries
doesn’t impact the ability to source In 1975 he made the move Joe on a 2019 visit to Stanwell
this material into the future; there to build a new farm at 71 Tops (Image: Alfie Letts)
are but limited alternatives in our Boundary Road Oakville.
region. In 1984, following a visit to
Holland, Joe took the decision
Dr Geoff Martin | Dr Mush Advisory
M: 0415 542 301
E: [email protected]
40 Australian Mushrooms Journal | Issue 4 -2020 Vale: Joe Van Dorresteyn
AMGA TO MANAGE FOOD SAFETY
EXTENSION & ADOPTION PROJECT
The Australian Mushroom Growers The core team (Clare Hamilton-Bate (bi-annual grower visits, committee
Association will manage the new levy- and Jenny Ekman) have extensive updates) will be maximised.
funded project – MU2000 - Mushroom experience in food safety research
food safety extension and adoption. and extension, compliance, and risk In addition, the use of project
management specifically for the personnel and resources to support
The project is structured into mushroom industry. critical industry activities such as
three distinct, but closely related verification testing and AMSAFE will
components, extending across the full In addition, the support and input be seamless. Both of these initiatives
length of the mushroom production / from an Australian Project Reference are currently managed by the AMGA
supply chain from raw material inputs Group and the added input of an to ensure a strict confidentiality of
to the composting process to supply International Project Advisory Group process.
of mushrooms to the end consumer will ensure that Australian mushroom
(whole, pre-packed and minimally businesses are at the forefront of An update will be included in the next
processed). knowledge and adoption. edition of the Journal.
These components are: The close and collaborative Martine Poulain | AMGA
relationship established between M: 0457 440 298
• ‘Knowledge and Information Hub. service providers currently working E: [email protected]
• ‘Communication and Extension on mushroom industry projects will
be further strengthened through the
Hub . surety of a five-year project plan,
• ‘Act and React’. ensuring the best possible use of
resources and the most effective
This project structure has been mechanisms for communication,
designed to facilitate the development extension, and support.
and delivery of planned resource and
extension, while at the same time With the AMGA as the project lead,
remaining agile and responsive to the opportunities and mechanisms
react and resolve real time issues and to engage at all levels of industry
situations.
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Food Safety Project Australian Mushrooms Journal | Issue 4 -2020 41
HORRTOIUNNNODVUATPION
NEW BOARD APPOINTMENTS the horticulture sector for the past SUSTAINABILITY
FOR HORT INNOVATION 25 years, including in director and FRAMEWORK
executive positions within a number
At the virtual Hort Innovation 2020 of horticulture and agriculture-related Hort Innovation is seeking feedback on
Annual General Meeting held on 27 organisations. a framework to help the horticulture
November, voting members elected sector share its sustainable, ethical
three new Directors to the Hort Hort Innovation’s new Deputy Chair is and safe farming practice stories.
Innovation Board. Paul Harker, who has been a Director Earlier in the year, input from a wide
of the company since 2016, having range of stakeholders identified the
Directly following the AGM, the newly been re-elected by members at last sustainability topics most important
constituted Board met to appoint the year’s AGM. Mr Harker has more than to decisions about Australian-grown
positions of Hort Innovation Chair and 20 years of experience in retail and horticulture. Since then, the project
Deputy Chair. is the current Director of Buying and has worked with industry groups to
Group Replenishment at Woolworths. further understand these topics and
The new Directors elected by identify sustainability goals. Fifteen
members included: Hort Innovation CEO Matt Brand sustainability topics have been
congratulated the new Directors, grouped into four areas:
• Tony Kelly. Mr Kelly is backed by Chair and Deputy Chair, noting that
some 33 years of experience in together they bring a diverse set of 1. Nourish & Nurture.
the horticulture sector, working expertise, experience and skills to the 2. People & Enterprise.
across exporting, importing, Board. 3. Planet & Resources.
wholesaling, transportation, 4. Less Waste.
distribution and logistics. He has Mr Brand also thanked outgoing Chair
extensive experience as a board Mr Snell, outgoing Deputy Chair Dr Sustainability indicators have been
director, including as Deputy Chair Mary Corbett and outgoing Director proposed as a best fit between
of Brisbane Markets Limited. Jenny Margetts for their hard work, the sustainability goals and the
commitment and contributions to Hort available data. They are intended
• Michael Nixon. Mr Nixon grew up Innovation and the horticulture sector. for measuring progress across the
in agriculture, and is one of the whole of Australian horticultural
largest horticulture growers in During his farewell address at the production, right up to the farm gate
the Carnarvon area of Western AGM, Mr Snell reflected on the or packhouse door.
Australia. He has held board importance of collaboration across
positions within horticulture the horticulture sector. “It’s a simple Industry participants are being
industry bodies, and is heavily and undeniable fact that we’re encouraged to provide feedback
involved in horticulture initiatives stronger working together,” he told (before 5 February 2021) on the
and organisations at the meeting attendees, referencing sustainability indicators proposed in
community level. a “rich network” made up of the draft sustainability framework –
individual horticulture industries, how relevant they are and how they
• Victoria Taylor. Ms Taylor has more Hort Innovation, horticulture could be improved. The Discussion
than two decades of experience representative bodies and groups, Draft Australian-Grown Horticulture
in agricultural policy, governance delivery partners, government Sustainability Framework can be
and communications. She is an agencies, the wider agriculture sector donwloaded at https://bit.ly/hort-
experienced board member, the and more. sustainability-draft-2020
former executive officer of the
National Horticulture Research In October, changes were made to the Responses can be submitted by using
Network, and also a small way Directors are appointed at an the form in the draft framework, or
business owner. Extraordinary General Meeting called by using the online questionnaire
by Hort Innovation members. - https://bit.ly/hort-sustainability-
Taking over from former Chair Selwyn survey
Snell, who announced his retirement This saw all three Directors elected
earlier this year, will be new Chair by company members, rather than the If you have any queries please
Julie Bird. Ms Bird has been a Director previous mix of Directors elected by contact Ingrid Roth, Horticulture
of Hort Innovation since 2018. She members and appointed by the Board Sustainability project lead, at
has worked in various roles across itself. [email protected].
42 Australian Mushrooms Journal | Issue 4 -2020 Hort Innovation Roundup
DOWNLOAD THE MUSHROOM STRATEGIC INVESTMENT INDUSTRY COMMUNICATIONS
FUND ANNUAL REPORT ADVISORY PANEL
In addition to materials covered
To take a closer look at key levy The Mushroom SIAP met in early in this Journal and the Industry
investments and project information, June to update the financial forecast, Update newsletter, Hort Innovation
industry participants are encouraged review the current Strategic provides growers and others in the
to download the Mushroom Fund Investment Plan expenditure analysis, horticultural supply chain to stay up
Annual Report - https://bit.ly/ and advise on the Draft Mushroom to date.
mushroom-fund-report-2020 Investment Plan.
Sign up on the Hort Innovation
A snapshot from this report is shown The panel considered a range of website (https://www.horticulture.
below. investment proposals across both the com.au/growers/become-a-member/)
R&D and marketing areas, supporting to receive communications including:
Further details on the operations of a range of future investments for the
Hort Innovation can also be found in mushroom industry. • Growing Innovation - this newsletter
the company annual report for the is published monthly and features
2019/20 financial year. To read more about this meeting industry-based articles and
and to stay up to date with SIAP information for those involved in
This report can be downloaded from activities, please visit the Hort the Australian horticultural sector.
the following LINK - https://bit.ly/ Innovation website. The latest copy can be viewed at
hort-annual-report-2020 http://bit. ly/GrowingInnovation-
dec2020
2019/20 Mushroom Fund snapshot
• Mushroom Grower Page - bookmark
$2.19M $2.08M the Mushroom Fund page of the
Hort Innovation website (http://
invested in R&D invested in marketing bit.ly/Hort-mushrooms) to view
essential information on industry
investments and advisory
mechanisms, documents including
the Strategic Investment Plans and
financial reports, and a range of
other resources and downloads on
mushroom levy investments.
• Project update - Regular updates on
every levy fund investment.
• Grower Intel - specific industry news
and information.
25 $4.95M
active R&D in levies collected
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on to Hort Innovation for investment
Did you know?
70,000 7% 35%
tonnes
Production value increased Victoria is Australia’s main
The Australian mushroom at an average annual rate mushroom-producing state,
industry produced around of around seven per cent in growing 35 per cent of total
70,000 tonnes per annum over the five years to 2018/19 production volume, followed by
the five years to 2018/2019 New South wales at 31 per cent
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Australian Mushrooms Journal | Issue 4 -2020 43
MEMEETMTBHEER
Ian Chu AS A STUDENT, WHAT DID WHAT IS THE CRAZIEST
YOU WANT TO DO OR BE THING YOU HAVE EVER
Magestic Mushrooms AFTER YOUR SCHOOLING? DONE?
I wasn’t sure, but something to do
HOW MANY YEARS HAVE YOU with new technology. Hence, I studied Some former colleagues and friends
BEEN IN MUSHROOMS? Electronic Engineering at University said I was crazy to leave a secure
of Canberra. Being a mushroom $100k+ office job 14 years ago to
I have spent 14 years in the grower certainly wasn’t on my list. become a farmer, but it was all a
mushroom industry. Prior to calculated risk.
mushrooms, I was working as an WHAT WAS THE MOST
Electronics Engineer in Telstra. SIGNIFICANT EVENT IN YOUR DO YOU HAVE A NICKNAME
CAREER SO FAR? AND IF SO, WHAT IS IT AND
WHAT IS THE MOST Probably no single event that I can WHY?
DIFFICULT TASK YOU HAVE pinpoint, but I certainly feel proud
HAD TO UNDERTAKE WHILE to have expanded the business from At school everyone called me
IN MUSHROOMS? those early days to around 10 times “Chewy” since my surname is Chu.
the production. Now I employ staff to Chewy is also one of my favourite
Helen and I started off in the do all those jobs mentioned earlier. characters in Star Wars.
industry with no experience
and built our farm from WHAT IS YOUR
scratch. In the beginning, FAVOURITE MOVIE?
when we were learning about
mushrooms we didn’t have Forrest Gump or Star Wars.
any employees. So my days
could consist of manually WHAT IS YOUR
filling compost blocks and FAVOURITE MEAL?
casing rooms by hand, picking
mushrooms, delivering boxes Love my Chinese seafood like
around town, coming back to pick lobster, crabs, etc.
more mushrooms, sleep, wake up and
then do it all again. Twenty hour work WHAT IS THE BEST LIFE
days were not uncommon, so those ADVICE YOU HAVE BEEN
days were quite difficult. GIVEN?
WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST This quote by Henry David Thoreau
STRENGTH / TALENT? is on our fridge and it inspires me:
“Go confidently in the direction of
Having great attention to detail, a your dreams! Live the life you’ve
necessity in this industry. imagined.”
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE TELL ME ABOUT YOUR
PASTIME? POSITION IN THE BUSINESS
I play competitive basketball and I’m a Director of the business but also
enjoy boating / fishing and mountain the Grower. I do a lot more directing
biking. compared to when we first started
44 Australian Mushrooms Journal | Issue 4 -2020 Meet The AMGA Member
our business, when I was all hands an article and try something different only imagine how difficult it was to
on. However, I don’t mind occasionally and would sometimes over-pin crops be new migrants in a new country,
being hands on to keep my skills severely. After a few late nights from with young children and trying to
sharp, such as getting in amongst picking, you learn pretty quickly what make the best of the opportunity.
the pickers to show them I’m still the works and what doesn’t. They achieved much success in
fastest. career and business, which is a great
WHAT MOTIVATES YOU? inspiration to me.
WHAT HAVE BEEN SOME OF
YOUR FAILURES, AND WHAT I’m motivated to achieve success, with WHAT IS THE ONE PIECE OF
HAVE YOU LEARNED FROM the mindset that there’s still some ADVICE YOU WOULD GIVE
THEM? way to go before I get there. TO OTHERS HOPING FOR A
SUCCESSFUL CAREER?
From my engineering background, I’m WHO HAS BEEN YOUR
always trying to refine processes or GREATEST INSPIRATION? Success is no accident. It is hard work,
to find the limits. So, particularly in perseverance, learning, studying,
the early stages of this career, I’d read My parents are my inspiration. I can sacrifice and most of all, love of what
you are doing.
Australian Mushrooms Journal | Issue 4 -2020 45
ISMS CONGRESS GOES VIRTUAL
The 20th ISMS Congress scheduled The closing date for the submission of Audiences can expect a stimulating
for Vancouver next year has been abstracts for the e-Congress is now mix of invited keynote addresses
cancelled due to the COVID-19 Global 28 February 2021. Submissions should supported by short presentations
Pandemic. be emailed to - [email protected] – of scientific papers accepted by the
and marked attention Dr John Pecchia. scientific committee. There will also
Instead, ISMS will be running a virtual be a few surprise online social events.
event, ISMS e-Congress 2021, online Technical questions can be emailed to
from Tuesday 14 September to Friday Dr Pecchia - [email protected]. The virtual format will provide
17 September 2021. many researchers who would not be
More details about “ISMS e-Congress able to travel to Vancouver with an
The Congress will run for between 2021” will be released over the opportunity to showcase their work to
two and three hours per day to coming weeks and can found on the a large engaged global audience.
maximise the number of people ISMS website - www.isms.biz - and
around the world who can participate in the next edition of the Mushroom General registration to attend the
live in the event. Business publication. online event will open on the ISMS
website early in 2021.
Recordings of the presentations will Information will also be included in
be posted to the ISMS website after the next edition of the Australian Further inquiries: [email protected]
the Congress with access for people Mushrooms Journal.
who register for the Congress.
Expressions of Interest
- Grower Required
The Marsh Lawson Mushroom Research Unit is looking for an experienced grower to assist with ongoing trials.
Requirements for the position include excellent contacts and Industry knowledge and skills in all aspects of growing.
The position is part time and located at the University of Sydney Research Unit at Camperdown. Flexibility is essential to be
able to allocate time as required to manage trial crops.
To find out more about how you could play a role in driving crop research for the Australian mushroom industry, please get in
touch.
Contact: Dr Michael Kertesz | Sydney Institute of Agriculture | The University of Sydney | T +61 2 8627 8497
E [email protected]
Machinery BEING TREATED AS A NUMBER
Climate
Supplies NUMBER
Engineering
Nijverheidsstraat 2a
5961 PJ Horst Mushrooms Exotics Compost
The Netherlands
T + 31 77 398 39 29
[email protected]
www.mushcomb.com
PROUD PARTNER OF
MUSHROOM VALLEY
46 Australian Mushrooms Journal | Issue 4 -2020 ISMS Congress Goes Virtual
Australian Mushrooms Journal | Issue 4 -2020 47
VIDEO
RESOURCES
The Mushroom industry
communication program (MU18001)
works closely with other projects
and industry to produce videos on a
variety of topics. When the videos
are finslised links are sent via the
monthly Industry Update newsletter
and through updates in this Journal.
To view any of the videos below
just enter the link in your website
browser. If you experience any
problems in accessing the videos,
please contact Chris Rowley (chris.
[email protected]).
https://vimeo.com/293851934/ccdad28442
https://vimeo.com/329256032/561c59a65d https://vimeo.com/293852092/7b027af401
https://vimeo.com/293853085/6a15fb8c2a https://vimeo.com/329257664/505eceb63f
48 Australian Mushrooms Journal | Issue 4 -2020 Video Resources
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