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Improvement of the Shelf Life and Bioactive Properties of White Button Mushroom (Agaricus bisporus L.) Through Compost Enrichment
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Ali Eslamizadeh   , Sepideh Kalateh Jari , Ali Mohammadi Torkashvand , Mohamad Farsi , Mohamadreza Salehi salmi |
| Department of Agricultural Science and Engineering, SR.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran |
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Abstract: (387 Views) |
Introduction: Optimizing the composting process and improving substrate quality are key determinants of productivity in the cultivation of white button mushroom (Agaricus bisporus). The application of nutritional supplements during the spawn-run stage is a common strategy to enrich the substrate and stimulate mycelial growth. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of two organic supplements differing in their chemical composition—soybean meal (a protein-rich source) and corn grits (a carbohydrate-rich source)—on decomposition kinetics, enzymatic profile, antioxidant status, and physicochemical properties of mushroom compost over a 20-day period.
Materials and Methods: The experiment was carried out as a factorial in completely randomized block design with three replications and consisted of five treatments: the control (S1; compost without supplementation), two soybean meal levels (S2: 1000 g m⁻² and S3: 1500 g m⁻²), and two corn grits levels (S4: 1000 g m⁻² and S5: 1500 g m⁻²). Sampling was performed on days 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 postharvest. Measurements included physical indices (weight loss, lightness, and texture firmness), biochemical traits (activities of catalase [CAT], guaiacol peroxidase [GPX], and superoxide dismutase [SOD]), and chemical attributes (total phenolic content, antioxidant capacity based on the DPPH assay, total protein, fiber, total soluble solids (TSS), dry-to-fresh weight ratio, and browning index).
Results and Discussion: Results revealed highly distinct decomposition patterns in response to supplement type. Soybean meal treatments (S2 and S3) exhibited a more active metabolic decomposition profile. Antioxidant enzyme activities (CAT, SOD, GPX) were significantly higher during the mid-incubation phase (days 5–15) compared with the control and corn-based treatments, indicating stronger oxidative stress and enhanced microbial activity. This pattern coincided with higher accumulation of phenolic compounds and greater antioxidant capacity (DPPH values). Soybean treatments also showed the highest final weight loss (13.457% in S3) and consistently higher total protein content, reflecting accelerated mineralization of organic matter. In contrast, corn-based treatments (S4 and S5) displayed a moderated decomposition pattern. Although enzymatic activity and weight loss were generally lower, these treatments demonstrated superior physical quality retention. On day 20, S4 recorded the highest lightness value (89.2%) and the lowest browning index (29.1%), indicating a deceleration of oxidative processes and pigment degradation. The control treatment consistently exhibited the lowest values across most indices, highlighting the necessity of supplementation. General trends observed in all treatments included: a steady linear increase in dry-to-fresh weight ratio (from 5.839 to 7.765), indicating moisture loss and substrate consolidation; a progressive rise in browning index associated with decomposition advancement; and a rise-and-fall pattern in enzyme activities and secondary metabolites (such as phenolics), reflecting the sequential metabolic stages during compost maturation.
Conclusion: The type of supplement can strongly modulate the decomposition trajectory of mushroom compost. Soybean meal, by providing accessible ammoniacal nitrogen and protein, accelerated biochemical and oxidative processes, potentially promoting faster compost maturation. Conversely, corn grits served as a more stable carbon source, moderating microbial activity and oxidative stress, thereby maintaining substrate structure and visual quality for a longer period. These findings offer important practical applications for farm management: selection of supplement type—or optimal mixing ratios—can be tailored to production strategies and the specific characteristics of the initial compost. Future studies should explore how these supplements influence yield performance and the quality of fruiting bodies.
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| Keywords: Antioxidant activity, Corn grits, Nutrition, Postharvest, Senescence, Soybean meal. |
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Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Vegetable crops
Received: 2025/12/20 | Accepted: 2026/04/29 | Published: 2026/05/16
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Eslamizadeh A, Kalateh Jari S, Mohammadi Torkashvand A, Farsi M, Salehi salmi M. Improvement of the Shelf Life and Bioactive Properties of White Button Mushroom (Agaricus bisporus L.) Through Compost Enrichment. IJHST 2026; 27 (1) :33-60 URL: http://journal-irshs.ir/article-1-749-en.html
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