Once the mushrooms are harvested their immediate marketing is very essential because they are highly perishable commodity, have a very short shelf life, and open mushrooms have low market acceptability. Agaricus bisporus popularly known as white button or European mushroom is extensively cultivated throughout the world. The cultivation of this mushroom has been taken up in about 10 countries of the world and its production is increasing at an annual growth rate of 7 percent. Presently, the world production of mushroom has been estimated to be over 6 million tonnes and in India, the estimated production is 50,000 tonnes of which the Punjab state contributes about 35 percent. There are about 375 seasonal growers in the state of Punjab who are cultivating predominantly white button mushroom on wheat or wheat+paddy straw based synthetic compost. This variety of mushroom which is much in demand is grown in trays, shelves or in polyethylene bags and fruitings are harvested in about 35-40 days following spawning. The mushrooms are obtained in 3-4 flushes in about 6 weeks of cropping. If normal cropping practices are followed on a properly prepared good quality compost and sound hygienic conditions are maintained, fresh mushroom yield of around 10-14 kg,per 100kg fresh compost can be obtained. Under controlled environmental conditions yields are even higher This, however, is restricted to a few growers in the state who have invested heavily to create semi controlled to completely controlled production facilities. But most of the seasonal growers grow this crop under natural indoor condition. without any control over environmental factors like temperature, humidity, aeration etc. Once the mushrooms are harvested their immediate marketing is very essential because they are highly perishable commodity, have a very short shelf life, and open mushrooms have low market acceptability. Therefore, picking of mushrooms assumes great significance. Some tips which are routinely followed during picking are given below: 1. Mushrooms are harvested by holding them between the thumb and fingers, twisting slightly and gently pulling them out. 2. Lower portion of the fruit body where mycelium threads and soil particles adhere is cut and discarded. 3. Holes so created on the beds as a result of the-picking of mushroom are filled with fresh disinfected casing mixture. 4. Mushroom should not be harvested with knife. 5. The first choice for picking should be new mushroom houses followed by old growing rooms. 6. All the tools used in picking should be thoroughly disinfected. 7. Workers engaged in picking mushroom should atleast disinfect their hands and feet before entering growing house. 8. Harvested mushrooms should be kept in a clean place. 9. Care should be taken so that buttons are not injured. 10 . Spraying of water should be done only after picking. This will prevent soiling of the fruit bodies.
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