[en] Full-text:Acute gamma irradiation is one of the physical mutation methods that can produce variations in mushroom species through changes to external properties (phenotype) and internal properties (genotype). This variation is important for growers and consumers to choose mushroom needs according to suitability and demand in the mushroom industry. Three commercial mushroom species have been developed through the acute useof gamma radiation. The acute gamma irradiations were carried out in Gamma cell located at Nuclear Malaysia. The irradiation process involves two stages, namely the laboratory stage and the farm stage. At the laboratory level, identification of strains from superior species, irradiation, screening and selection are done intensively in vitro. While in vivo cultivation is done in multiple locations in the mushroom farm. The study shows that the species used, namely Pleurotus florida, Plourotus pulmonarius and Volvarela volvacea, have certain specificities in terms of temperature and humidity in the growth room. The humidity required during mycelium development is 70% whereas for fruiting is 80%. In the field, the same parameters are found to vary according to the planting location. The growth and development of mycelium in vitro for the mushroom Pleurotussp. and Volvariella sp. is between 25-28℃. In vivo growth requires temperatures between 22-28℃ and 28-35℃ for both Pleurotus and Volvariella respectively. Both stages require good aeration to enable the production of fruit bodies and mycelium development more actively. This study allows the development of smart mushroom houses to be developed. Currently, the agricultural sector is needed new strains in making mushrooms one of the commodities that can be used for the country. (author)

[en] Mushroom cultivation requires good, reliable and low cost seedlings. Selected mushroom strain is an important key in preparing the seedlings. In cultivating Volvariella mushroom, there are three types of seedlings known as mother culture, grain seedlings and substrate seedlings. In this paper, preparation of each type of seedling will be discussed. The first step in preparing the seedling is a selected strain for mother culture. Tissues from selected fruit body were first isolated to initiate and propagate mycelium via in vitro culture on semi solid potato dextrose agar (PDA) media. This media was prepared earlier, autoclaved at 121 degree Celsius, 1.05 psi for 20 mins and kept in a dark room. The tissue was excised innovatively as wedge shape, approximate 0.5 cm². The shape created an easy way to culture and reduces contamination. Propagation was made via in vitro culture continuously to get satisfied numbers of culture. Second, Grain Seedling was prepared by soaking dried corn seeds in clean water for 3h, tossed, mixed with 1 % lime to increase pH level up to pH 8 and pack in plastic bag at 150 g followed by autoclaved at 121 degree Celsius, 1.05 psi for 10 mins. Third, Substrate Seedling mixture was made mainly by dried paddy straw derived from agriculture waste. The paddy straw was soaked in water for 3h and excessive water was removed prior to mix with 10 % lime and kapok. The substrate seedling were pack in 200 g polypropylene beg prior to continuously steam for 4 hours at 90 degree Celsius. Steamed substrate seedling were then inoculated and incubated at 27 degree Celsius for 2 weeks under dark condition and ready to be used in field within two weeks. (author)

[en] Malaysia has great diversity of edible mushrooms. Volvariella volvacea is also known as Paddy straw mushroom and/or Palm mushroom has a great potential for commercialization. This species is commonly grown in tropical climate and also known as Asian Button Mushroom. Volvariella volvacea is a short cycle mushroom and easy to grow on any cellulosic agriculture waste such as empty fruit bunch (EFB), paddy straw, sugar cane, cassava leaf etc. In this paper, a low cost cultivation of Volvariella volvacea mushroom on EFB will be described. Fresh EFB from palm oil factory was compost for 10 days by covering the EFB with thick plastic canvas and flush with water at least three times during the composting period (Composting Process). Beds were prepared by using EFB (3 x 15 feet), flush with water and step on EFB to provide more space in expending mycelium. Volvariella substrate seedling was immediately sowed on the EFB surface bedding. Plastic canvas was covered completely onto each sowed EFB bed for 10 days (Spawning Process, 35-40 degree Celsius). Loop made by bamboo where then attached to the bed and again covered by the plastic canvas for another 10 days (Pinning Process, 28-35 degree Celsius). It takes a total of 30 days from the compost to emerge mushroom fruiting body. It is important to monitor the temperature (28-35 degree Celsius) and high humidity (>80 %) throughout all process. Harvesting can be made twice a day and the average of each bed is approximately 200 g. (author)

[en] Grey oyster mushroom (Pleurotus pulmonarius), black jelly mushroom (Auricularia auricula) and paddy straw mushroom (Volvariella volvacea) are the most common and typical edible mushrooms species enjoyed by Malaysians owing to their good flavors properties and high nutrients content. Master culture or commonly known as mother culture is a crucial element in producing a good mushroom seedlings. In vitro technique of initiating tissues in preparing the mother culture is the most crucial step. Firstly, screening and selection for quality fruiting body used to initiate tissue must be fresh, healthy and free from any spots of pest and diseases. Secondly, place in doing the activity must be closed environment, clean and comfortable such as in laminar air flow or clean chamber. Preparation for the clean area is conducted 30 minutes prior to tissue excises. Thirdly, tools in dissecting the tissues must be dry, sterile and normally autoclaved at 121 degree Celsius, 15 psi for 15 minutes. Besides, media used in growing the mycelium should be freshly prepared and free from any spot from bacteria and/or fungus. Fourthly, personnel carrying out the activities must be clean, equipped with laboratory coat and healthy. Fifthly, the process in excising the tissues should be conducted carefully and gently. All steps mentioned are important in getting a good material free from contamination. This paper discusses in depth the steps and procedures taken in initiating different types of mushroom. (author)