Mushrooms: Agaricus bisporus

Abstract This book, which is selected in nature to Agaricus bisporus, presents fundamental guidelines for mushroom production together with the advances in research in this field. The first chapter presents the history of button mushroom cultivation, mushroom classification, distribution, and nutritional and medicinal value. The methods of composting for substrate preparation, their basics, application, and innovation are discussed in Chapter 2. The basic principles and methods to improve compost quality are shown in the third chapter. Moving to the fourth chapter, the genetics, breeding approaches, and selection of new mushroom strains are discussed in detail. Chapter 5 addresses the stages of casing and cropping by focusing on the tools and methods to optimize production during these stages. Chapter 6 details the management of pests and control of diseases at a mushroom farm, with a special focus on the ideal farm design to avoid the spread of infesting agents. The last chapter of the book shows the advances in harvest and postharvest technologies, applied to maximize the postharvest benefits from button mushroom cultivation.