Biology, Cultivation and Applications of Mushrooms

The edited book provides information on profitable commercial cultivation of medicinal mushrooms, suggests substrates, and discusses the conservation of wild endangered medicinal mushrooms. It highlights the diverse applications of mushrooms in various fields, including agriculture, bioremediation, and medicine. The book covers the uses of mushrooms in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine, their occurrence in different habitats, and the need for mushroom technology in improving rural economies.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 663 pages
Publication date: 19 March 2023
Publisher: Springer Verlag, Singapore

The edited book serves as a comprehensive resource for the profitable cultivation of medicinal mushrooms. It presents a vast array of substrates that growers can utilize in their commercial mushroom cultivation endeavors. Furthermore, it delves into the conservation of wild, endangered medicinal mushrooms, recognizing their ecological and medicinal significance.

Mushrooms, those fascinating fungal fruiting bodies, are readily observable to the naked eye and can be manually collected. These remarkable organisms exhibit an astounding level of heterogeneity, characterized by a vast diversity of species and their widespread presence across diverse environments. Extensive research conducted by mycologists and biotechnologists has led to the continuous discovery of new mushroom species and the exploration of diverse environments where fungi can be harvested, including the air, space, and the seabed.

The applications of mushrooms are expanding in numerous fields, spanning agriculture, bioremediation, forestry, food, cosmetics, medical, and the pharmaceutical sector. The book is divided into three parts, each exploring different aspects of mushrooms' applications.

The first part highlights their use in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of ailments. Truffles, among others, are praised for their delicious taste, while many others are recommended for their potential to cure deadly diseases such as cancer, COVID-19, and HIV, as well as enhance memory and longevity. Lentinus, Ganoderma, and Cordyceps are recognized for their antioxidant properties and their ability to alleviate inflammation.

The second part delves into the occurrence of mushrooms in various habitats and seasons, as well as their biological characteristics. It discusses enzymes and mechanisms involved in biodegradation, as well as provides anatomical details related to rotting wood.

The third part emphasizes the need for mushroom technology in improving rural economies. It explores how mushrooms can be cultivated, processed, and marketed, providing opportunities for economic growth and development in rural areas.

This book is an invaluable resource for researchers, students, and professionals in agriculture, agronomy, and those engaged in mushroom research. It offers a comprehensive and up-to-date understanding of mushrooms' applications, biology, and technology, enabling individuals to contribute to the sustainable cultivation and utilization of these valuable fungi.

Weight: 1032g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789811662591
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022