Exploring the effects of fatty acids in mushroom compost

Just as for humans, in mushrooms fatty acids are precursors to hormones, involved in membrane function and many other purposes.

While mushrooms are low in fat, they contain many essential fatty acids, including relatively high levels of PUFAs. There is evidence from more than 50 years ago that adding oilseeds rich in fatty acids to compost increases mycelium vigour and yield.

Sarah Faulina, originally from Indonesia, is now one year into a PhD examining the effects of fatty acid supplements in mushroom compost. She aims to discover the mechanism by which fatty acids increase growth of the Agaricus mycelium. The overall objective is to achieve the same increases in yield as from oilseed supplementation, but at less expense.