Bacterial Community Structure Responds to Soil Management in the Rhizosphere of Vine Grape Vineyards.

The microbial communities of the rhizospheres of vineyards have been subject to a considerable body of research, but it is still unclear how the applied soil cultivation methods are able to change the structure, composition, and level of diversity of their communities. Rhizosphere samples were collected from three neighbouring vineyards with the same time of planting and planting material (rootstock: Teleki 5C; Vitis vinifera: Müller Thurgau). Our objective was to examine the diversity occurring in bacterial community structures in vineyards that differ only in the methods of tillage procedure applied, namely intensive (INT), extensive (EXT), and abandoned (AB). For that we took samples from two depths (10-30 cm (shallow = S) and 30-50 cm (deep = D) of the grape rhizosphere in each vineyard and the laboratory and immediately prepared the slices of the roots for DNA-based analysis of the bacterial communities. Bacterial community structure was assessed by means of PCR-DGGE analysis carried out on the v3 region of 16S rRNA gene. Based on the band composition of the DGGE profiles thus obtained, the diversity of the microbial communities was evaluated and determined by the Shannon-Weaver index (H'). Between the AB and EXT vineyards at the S depth, the similarity of the community structure was 55%; however, the similarity of the D samples was more than 80%, while the difference between the INT samples and the other two was also higher than 80%. Based on our results, we can conclude that intensive cultivation strongly affects the structure and diversity of the bacterial community.

Assessing Seasonal Effects on Identification of Cultivation Methods of Short-Growth Cycle Brassica chinensis L. Using IRMS and NIRS.

Seasonal (temporal) variations can influence the δ13C, δ2H, δ18O, and δ15N values and nutrient composition of organic (ORG), green (GRE), and conventional (CON) vegetables with a short growth cycle. Stable isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) and near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) combined with the partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) method were used to investigate seasonal effects on the identification of ORG, GRE, and CON Brassica chinensis L. samples (BCs). The results showed that δ15N values had significant differences among the three cultivation methods and that δ13C, δ2H, and δ18O values were significantly higher in winter and spring and lower in summer. The NIR spectra were relatively clustered across seasons. Neither IRMS-PLS-DA nor NIRS-PLS-DA could effectively identify all BC cultivation methods due to seasonal effects, while IRMS-NIRS-PLS-DA combined with Norris smoothing and derivative pretreatment had better predictive abilities, with an 89.80% accuracy for ORG and BCs, 88.89% for ORG and GRE BCs, and 75.00% for GRE and CON BCs. The IRMS-NIRS-PLS-DA provided an effective and robust method to identify BC cultivation methods, integrating multi-seasonal differences.

Genus Physalis L.: A review of resources and cultivation, chemical composition, pharmacological effects and applications.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The genus Physalis L. (Solanaceae) is commonly used in the treatment of dermatitis, leprosy, bronchitis, pneumonia, hepatitis and rheumatism in China and other Asian countries. AIM OF THE REVIEW: This article reviews the resources, cultivation, phytochemistry, pharmacological properties, and applications of Physalis L., and proposes further research strategies to enhance its therapeutic potential in treating various human diseases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a systematic search of electronic databases, including CNKI, SciFinder and PubMed, using the term "Physalis L." to collect information on the resources, phytochemistry, pharmacological activities, and applications of Physalis L. in China during the past ten years (2013.1-2023.1). RESULTS: So far, a variety of chemical constituents have been isolated and identified from Physalis L. mainly including steroids, flavonoids, and so on. Various pharmacological activities were evaluated by studying different extracts of Physalis L., these activities include anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant, antiviral, antineoplastic, and other aspects. CONCLUSION: Physalis L. occupies an important position in the traditional medical system. It is cost-effective and is a significant plant with therapeutic applications in modern medicine. However, further in-depth studies are needed to determine the medical use of this plant resources and cultivation, chemical composition, pharmacological effects and applications.

Enhanced heat tolerance of freeze-dried Enterococcus faecium NRRL B-2354 as valid Salmonella surrogate in low-moisture foods.

In microbial studies of low-moisture foods (LMFs, water activity less than 0.85), freeze-dried bacteria benefit us to inoculate LMFs without introducing extra water or altering food physiochemical properties. However, the freeze-drying process would bring unavoidable damage to bacterial cells and results in less-resistant inoculum that are unlikely to be qualified in microbial studies. Herein, we enhanced bacterial heat tolerance by subjecting the cells to mild heat (42-50 °C) to counteract the reduced heat tolerance and survivability of freeze-dried bacteria. Enterococcus faecium NRRL B-2354 (E. faecium), a Salmonella surrogate in LMFs, was used as the target microorganism because it was widely accepted in microbial validation of thermal pasteurizing LMFs. Three types of LMFs (peanut powder, protein powder, and onion powder) were used as LMFs models to validate the freeze-dried E. faecium in comparison with Salmonella enterica Enteritidis PT 30 (S. Enteritidis) prepared by the traditional aqueous method. The heat tolerance (D65℃ value) of E. faecium increased at all treatments and peaked (+31.48 ± 0.13%) at temperature-time combinations of 45 °C-60 min and 50 °C-5 min. Survivability of freeze-dried inoculum and its heat tolerance retained well within 50 d storage. The freeze-dried E. faecium was prepared in this study brought equal or higher heat tolerance (D85℃ or D75℃) than S. Enteritidis in tested LMFs models. For instance, the D85℃ of freeze-dried E. faecium (heat-treated at 50 °C for 5 min) and S. Enteritidis in whole egg powder are 35.56 ± 1.52 min and 28.41 ± 0.41 min, respectively. The freeze-dried E. faecium with enhanced heat tolerance appears to be a suitable Salmonella surrogate for dry-inoculating LMFs. Our protocol also enables industry-scale production of freeze-dried inoculum by broth-cultivation method combined with mild-heat treatment.

Cultivation Factors That Affect Amyloid-ß Aggregation Inhibitory Activity in Perilla frutescens var. crispa.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is thought to be caused by the deposition of amyloid-ß (Aß) in the brain. Aß begins to aggregate approximately 20 years before the expression of its symptoms. Previously, we developed a microliter-scale high-throughput screening (MSHTS) system for inhibitors against Aß aggregation using quantum dot nanoprobes. Using this system, we also found that plants in the Lamiaceae, particularly Perilla frutescens var. crispa, have high activity. The cultivation environment has the potential to enhance Aß aggregation inhibitory activity in plants by changing their metabolism. Here, we report on cultivation factors that affected the activity of P. frutescens var. crispa cultivated in three fields under different cultivation conditions. The results revealed that the activity of P. frutescens var. crispa harvested just before flowering was highest. Interestingly, the activity of wind-shielded plants that were cultivated to prevent exposure to wind, was reduced to 1/5th of plants just before flowering. Furthermore, activity just before flowering increased following appropriate nitrogen fertilization and at least one week of drying from the day before harvest. In addition, we confirmed that the P. frutescens var. crispa leaf extracts suppressed Aß-induced toxicity in nerve growth factor-differentiated PC12 cells. In this study, we demonstrated that flowering, wind, soil water content, and soil nitrogen content affected Aß aggregation inhibitory activity, necessary to suppress Aß neurotoxicity, in P. frutescens var. crispa extracts. This study provides practical cultivation methods for P. frutescens var. crispa with high Aß aggregation inhibitory activity for the prevention of AD.

Bacterial microbiota profiling of oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus ostreatus) based on cultivation methods and distribution channels using high-throughput sequencing.

The annual consumption and production of oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus ostreatus) have continued to rise due to its nutritive and health-promoting benefits. Cultivated mushrooms are mostly grown in small to medium-scaled scale production plants that present hygienic challenges which could, in turn, increase associated foodborne pathogenic outbreaks. The present study aimed to investigate the shift in microbial ecologies of oyster mushrooms from pre-distribution (cultivation in bottles or on shelves) to post-distribution at supermarkets and open-air markets. Aerobic plate counts and coliforms were quantified using traditional microbiological techniques, and the microbiome associated with oyster mushrooms (n = 70) was analyzed using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing for an enhanced level of bacterial microbiota profiling. Overall, coliforms recovered from pre-distribution bottle-cultivated mushrooms were 1.9 log CFU/g higher (p < 0.05) than that of shelf-cultivated mushrooms. The mean aerobic plate counts of oyster mushrooms distributed to open-air markets was 1.2 log CFU/g higher (p < 0.05) than packaged mushrooms from supermarkets while there were no significant differences in coliform counts. The pattern of bacterial composition differed by post-distribution channels, with oyster mushrooms collected from the open-air markets demonstrating the richest microbiome diversity. An increase in the relative abundance of Enterobacteriaceae (55-68 %) and Pseudomonadaceae (27-35 %) was observed in pre- and post-distribution mushrooms, respectively. However, no distinct bacterial microbiota differences were observed for the different cultivation methods or different geographical locations for each market type. The current findings add to our understanding of the effects of cultivation methods and commercial distribution channels regarding the microbiome of oyster mushrooms and may inform potential intervention strategies for future production and distribution processes. Furthermore, the tandem analyses of culture-dependent and culture-independent methods can provide more comprehensive information than that obtained when using each approach independently.

Rapid quantitative analysis of 12 chemical constituents in wild-simulated and cultivated Astragali Radix based on UHPLC-MS.

Objective: Astragali Radix (AR) is one of the most widely used traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) for tonic, which can be divided into wild-simulated and cultivated AR according to its cultivation method. However, whether cultivated AR can replace wild-simulated AR has always been a concern. Methods: In this study, a rapid, highly sensitive and specific analytical method using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS) was developed to quantitatively measure 12 chemical constituents of AR in the different cultivation methods. Results: AR samples were analyzed with a good linear regression relationship (R 2, 0.9983-0.9995), precisions (relative standard deviation (RSD), 1.31%-2.36%), repeatability (RSD, 2.65%-4.92%), stability (RSD, 1.50%-4.05%), and recovery (95.13%-106.52%). Through the determination of AR samples, we found the components of flavonoids in wild-simulated AR were higher than cultivated AR, the saponins in cultivated AR were higher, the ratio of saponins/flavonoids in cultivated AR was higher than wild-simulated AR. Conclusion: Based on this research, it could provide guidance for the quality control of AR.

Optimal harvest-time to maximize the annual camptothecin production by Ophiorrhiza pumila in a plant factory with artificial light.

Ophiorrhiza pumila is a medicinal plant that grows in subtropical forests and produces camptothecin (CPT). To determine an optimal harvest time of O. pumila in a plant factory with artificial light (PFAL), we investigated the CPT distribution in each organ and at the developmental stage and estimated the annual CPT production. For this study, the O. pumila plants were grown in controlled environments (16 h light period, photosynthetic photon flux density of 100 µmol m-2 s-1 under white light-emitting diode lamps, air temperature of 28 °C, relative humidity of 80%, and CO2 concentration of 1000 µmol mol-1). First, the stem, root, and seed pod had higher CPT contents than the leaves, flower, and ovary. The optimal harvest time of O. pumila in a PFAL was 63 days after transplanting (DAT), because the CPT content in the whole organs was the highest at the seed-ripening stage. Second, based on these results, the estimated annual CPT production of O. pumila cultivated in a PFAL was 380 mg m-2 y-1 (63 DAT). This value was 4.3 times greater than the annual CPT production by Camptotheca acuminata in a greenhouse. We concluded that the CPT production by O. pumila in a PFAL throughout the year has many advantages, although the demand for electrical energy was high compared to that of Camptotheca acuminata in a greenhouse.

Comparison of changes in fecal microbiota of calves with and without dam.

In pastoral areas and semi-agricultural and semi-pastoral areas of Sichuan, beef cattle breeding mode is mainly dependent on nature to raise livestock. On the one hand, owing to the shortage of forage grass in spring, cows suffer from malnutrition. On the other hand, competition for milk between human and livestock further deepens the malnutrition of newborn calves, and the mortality rate even exceeds 40%, resulting in serious waste of beef cattle source resources. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of different cultivation methods (calves with and without dam) and age on calves hindgut microbiome. Sixteen healthy calves (Yak ♂ × Pian cattle ♀, with similar birthday 0 ± 2 d and body weight 13.1 ± 1.13 kg), were selected and randomly divided into two groups. The control group was cultivated with heifers, whereas the treatment group was cultivated without heifers and was fed milk replacer during the whole 95 days formal experimental period. Fecal samples were collected on 35, 65 and 95 days of age for high-throughput sequencing. The α-diversity was different between the two groups on day 35; however, the bacterial species richness and diversity was almost not different on day 95. Principal coordinates analysis revealed significant difference between the two groups on all the three time points, and the timepoints of day 65 and 95 were closer and separated from the timepoints of day 35 in calves with dam, whereas the timepoints of day 35 and 65 were closer and separated from day 95 in calves without dam. As time passed, the abundance of Firmicutes increased, while Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria decreased in calves with dam. But in calves without dam, the abundance of Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria increased on day 65 and then decreased on day 95. In genus level, the relative abundance of Bacteroides decreased in calf with dam while its abundance increased first and then decreased in calf without dam but both resulted in the range of 3.5~4.5%. The relative abundance of Lactobacillus decreased, whereas Ruminococcaceae UCG-005 increased in both groups as the calf grew up. It was concluded that the richness and evenness of the microbial communities was higher in calves with dam than without dam, and a stable gut microbiome in calve with dam is established earlier than calf without dam.

Outdoor versus indoor cultivation: Effects on the metabolite profile of Agaricus subrufescens strains analyzed by untargeted metabolomics.

Agaricus subrufescens has emerged as an important culinary-medicinal mushroom over the last decades. Efforts have been dedicated to upgrade the A. subrufescens productive process via strain selection and cultivation scaling-up. However, little is known on the influence of those variables on the metabolite profiles and nutraceutical properties of this mushroom. In this work, the effects of outdoor versus indoor cultivation on the metabolite profiles of five commercial strains of A. subrufescens were investigated by untargeted metabolomics. UHPLC-MS coupled to multivariate data analysis revealed that the concentration of several metabolites with reported health-related properties as well as related to taste and browning varied significantly between strains and were affected by the cultivation system in a strain-dependent manner. Data suggest that increasing the production scale by means of indoor cultivation may decrease the nutraceutical quality of some A. subrufescens strains while also affecting taste and browning susceptibility to different extents.

Rapid quantitative analysis of 12 chemical constituents in wild-simulated and cultivated Astragali Radix based on UHPLC-MS / 中草药·英文版

Objective: Astragali Radix (AR) is one of the most widely used traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) for tonic, which can be divided into wild-simulated and cultivated AR according to its cultivation method. However, whether cultivated AR can replace wild-simulated AR has always been a concern. Methods: In this study, a rapid, highly sensitive and specific analytical method using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS) was developed to quantitatively measure 12 chemical constituents of AR in the different cultivation methods. Results: AR samples were analyzed with a good linear regression relationship (R

Duckweeds: their utilization, metabolites and cultivation.

Duckweeds are floating plants of the family Lemnaceae, comprising 5 genera and 36 species. They typically live in ponds or lakes and are found worldwide, except the polar regions. There are two duckweed subfamilies-namely Lemnoidea and Wolffioideae, with 15 and 21 species, respectively. Additionally, they have characteristic reproduction methods. Several metabolites have also been reported in various duckweeds. Duckweeds have a wide range of adaptive capabilities and are particularly suitable for experiments requiring high productivity because of their speedy growth and reproduction rates. Duckweeds have been studied for their use as food/feed resources and pharmaceuticals, as well as for phytoremediation and industrial applications. Because there are numerous duckweed species, culture conditions should be optimized for industrial applications. Here, we review and summarize studies on duckweed species and their utilization, metabolites, and cultivation methods to support the extended application of duckweeds in future.

[Content determination of six flavonoids in Dendrobium officinale stems from different producing areas,cultivation and processing methods by QAMS combined with dual-wavelength method].

A novel HPLC method with the quantitative analysis of multi-components by single marker( QAMS) combined with the dual-wavelength method was developed for simultaneous determination of six flavonoids in Dendrobium officinale stems from different producing areas,cultivation and processing methods to clarify the main factors contributing to the different composition of flavonoids.The separation of six flavonoids was performed on a Shiseido Capcell PAK MGⅡ C18 column( 4. 6 mm×250 mm,5 µm) using a linear gradient elution system of acetonitrile-0. 1% formic acid aqueous solution. Schaftoside,isoschaftoside,vicenin-2,and glucosylvitexin were simultaneously analyzed using rutin as a reference standard at detection wavelength of 340 nm,and naringenin was determined at290 nm. The credibility and feasibility of QAMS method were validated and the results demonstrated that no significant differences were observed as compared with the external standard method. Finally,a total of 82 batches of D. officinale samples were analyzed and principal component analysis( PCA) and discriminant analysis were applied to distinguish and compare D. officinale samples from different producing areas,cultivation and processing methods. The results showed that the total flavonoid content of D. officinale stems cultivated in the simulated wild( attached tree cultivation or attached stone cultivation) was significantly higher than that in greenhouse bed cultivation. The content of flavonoids in simulated-wild D. officinale stems was higher in Jiangxi,Guizhou,Zhejiang,and Fujian provinces,while that in greenhouse bed cultivation was higher in Fujian and Zhejiang provinces. The content of naringenin was positively correlated with processing temperature,and that of the other five flavonoids was negatively correlated with processing temperature. PCA showed that wild-simulated D. officinale and greenhouse bed-cultivated D. officinale could be roughly divided into two clusters. The samples cultivated in the greenhouse bed were divided into four categories according to the geographical habitats. Wild-simulated D. officinale samples from Guizhou gathered together,and there was no obvious rule in samples from other producing areas. The established method simplified the determination method of flavonoids in D. officinale,and could provide the basis for effective quality control,cultivation and processing of D. officinale.

Content determination of six flavonoids in Dendrobium officinale stems from different producing areas,cultivation and processing methods by QAMS combined with dual-wavelength method / 中国中药杂志

A novel HPLC method with the quantitative analysis of multi-components by single marker( QAMS) combined with the dual-wavelength method was developed for simultaneous determination of six flavonoids in Dendrobium officinale stems from different producing areas,cultivation and processing methods to clarify the main factors contributing to the different composition of flavonoids.The separation of six flavonoids was performed on a Shiseido Capcell PAK MGⅡ C18 column( 4. 6 mm×250 mm,5 μm) using a linear gradient elution system of acetonitrile-0. 1% formic acid aqueous solution. Schaftoside,isoschaftoside,vicenin-2,and glucosylvitexin were simultaneously analyzed using rutin as a reference standard at detection wavelength of 340 nm,and naringenin was determined at290 nm. The credibility and feasibility of QAMS method were validated and the results demonstrated that no significant differences were observed as compared with the external standard method. Finally,a total of 82 batches of D. officinale samples were analyzed and principal component analysis( PCA) and discriminant analysis were applied to distinguish and compare D. officinale samples from different producing areas,cultivation and processing methods. The results showed that the total flavonoid content of D. officinale stems cultivated in the simulated wild( attached tree cultivation or attached stone cultivation) was significantly higher than that in greenhouse bed cultivation. The content of flavonoids in simulated-wild D. officinale stems was higher in Jiangxi,Guizhou,Zhejiang,and Fujian provinces,while that in greenhouse bed cultivation was higher in Fujian and Zhejiang provinces. The content of naringenin was positively correlated with processing temperature,and that of the other five flavonoids was negatively correlated with processing temperature. PCA showed that wild-simulated D. officinale and greenhouse bed-cultivated D. officinale could be roughly divided into two clusters. The samples cultivated in the greenhouse bed were divided into four categories according to the geographical habitats. Wild-simulated D. officinale samples from Guizhou gathered together,and there was no obvious rule in samples from other producing areas. The established method simplified the determination method of flavonoids in D. officinale,and could provide the basis for effective quality control,cultivation and processing of D. officinale.

Quality Evaluation of Tremella fuciformis Polysaccharides from Different Sources / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To establish a method for the determination of polysaccharide and monosaccharide composition of Tremella fuciformis, and to analyze the difference of polysaccharide content in T. fuciformis from different sources and cultivation methods, so as to provide reference for the quality determination.Method:High performance size exclusion chromatography coupled with multi-angle laser light scattering and refractive index detection (HPSEC-MALLS-RID) was employed to determine the content and relative molecular weight distribution of T. fuciformis polysaccharides. The monosaccharide types and proportions of T. fuciformis polysaccharides were analyzed by 1-phenyl-3-methyl-5-pyrazolone (PMP) precolumn derivative high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).Result:The weight-average relative molecular weight (Mw) and the content of polysaccharides in T. fuciformis cultivated by cut-log from different sources were distributed in 2.618×106-3.503×106 Da and 307.12-609.06 g·kg-1, respectively. These two parameters of polysaccharides in T. fuciformis with substitute cultivation from different sources were 2.723×106-3.886×106 Da and 366.38-647.37 g·kg-1, respectively. The T. fuciformis polysaccharides mainly consisted of mannose, glucuronic acid, glucose, galactose, xylose and fucose, their ratios in samples with cut-log and substitute cultivation were 4.4∶0.7∶1.0∶0.2∶1.4∶1.6 and 4.4∶0.8∶1.0∶0.1∶1.5∶1.5, respectively. The contents of the above six monosaccharides in 39 batches of T. fuciformis from different sources were mannose of 36.71-191.31 g·kg-1, glucose of 10.46-76.10 g·kg-1, galactose of 1.00-6.72 g·kg-1, xylose of 16.73-70.54 g·kg-1, glucuronic acid of 9.74-32.12 g·kg-1, fucose of 17.16-68.20 g·kg-1.Conclusion:The content of polysaccharides in T. fuciformis from different sources has a certain difference, the developed method can be used as a routine method for the quality evaluation of polysaccharides in T. fuciformis.

Impact of Cultivation Method and Cultivar Selection on Soluble Carbohydrates and Pungent Principles in Onions ( Allium cepa L.).

The composition of soluble carbohydrates such as fructooligosaccharides (FOS) in onions ( Allium cepa L.) plays a role regarding their digestibility, long-term storability, and processability. Qualitative and quantitative profiles of soluble carbohydrates were determined in 23 different onion samples comprising 20 cultivars grown at two different locations in 2014 and 2015. FOS concentrations were 1.1-fold higher in set grown onions than in seed grown onions ( p = 0.001). FOS levels of dehydrator cultivars were higher (overall average: 130.8 ± 42.4 g/L FOS) than those of common set and seed (61.8 ± 20.0 and 29.4 ± 14.7 g/L FOS) grown cultivars. Consequently, cultivation method (seed vs. set planting) and cultivar selection were crucial when aiming at onions with defined FOS contents. Besides FOS and other carbohydrate-related parameters, levels of alk(en)yl cysteine sulfoxides, indicating onion oil yield and pungency of onions, were determined to be different in dehydrator onions (13.1 ± 2.6 µmol/mL), seed (8.4 ± 1.3 µmol/mL), and set grown onions (7.5 ± 1.6 µmol/mL).

Effect of genetic and phenotypic factors on the composition of commercial marmande type tomatoes studied through HRMAS NMR spectroscopy.

The effects of genetic, technological and environmental factors on the chemical composition of four marmande type tomato varieties have been investigated. The study is based on the analysis of (1)H HRMAS NMR spectra of tomato purée using a combination of partial least squares (PLS) and assigned signal analysis (ASA). In agreement with genetic, morphological and taste characteristics of the tomatoes studied, the analysis of the NMR data allows two groups of samples to be differentiated. The type of culture and climatic conditions can reduce the compositional differences. The extension of the compositional changes produced by climatic conditions is variety-depend. Neither grafting nor perlite affect significantly the relative content of primary metabolites. This was not the case for tomatoes grown using the pure hydroponic production system based on the recirculation of nutrient solution, New Growing System NGS®, which seems to be an effective agricultural approach to improve tomato quality.

A New Method for Cultivation of Sclerotium of Grifola umbellata

Sclerotia of Grifola umbellata were cultivated by two methods such as burying and root inoculation methods. The sclerotia of G. umbellata produced by the burying method were 6.0~6.8 x 3.4~4.6 x 1.8~1.9 cm (Width x Length x Thickness) in size and 17.3~19.6 g in weight, respectively. Their increase rate was 1.10~1.12 times. On the other hand, the sclerotia cultivated by the root inoculation method were 18.3~31.5 x 12.5~26.4 x 3.1~3.7 cm (Wx L x T) in size and 219.1~576.6 g in weight, respectively. Their growth increment was 11.18~39.77 times. The rhizomorphs of Armillaria mellea were developed with a high density under fallen leaves layer covering cultivation site, and distributed mainly between soil surface and soil depth of about 10 cm as well as colonized prominently on the inoculated wood logs. Fungal interaction between G. umbellata and A. mellea were observed mainly in the stage of white sclerotium of G. umbellata. The sclerotia of G. umbellata which were developed newly and harvested in the root inoculation method were twined with root hairs of host tree and rhizomorphs of A. mellea. The sclerotia of G. umbellata decomposing root hairs of host tree were confirmed through SEM examination. Physiochemical characteristics of soil in all cultivation sites had no significant differences. Soil pH were in the range of pH 3.98~4.40. Organic matters were the range of 17.97~23.86% and moisture contents of soil were 12.00~18.20%. Soil temperatures showed 12.9~13.8degrees C in November and 22.0~23.9degrees C in August, respectively. In conclusion, the root inoculation method seems to be a practical method for cultivating sclerotia of G. umbellata due to its many advantages such as simplicity of inoculation process, shortening of cultivation periods and facility of harvest.

Studies on the Effect of Vinyl Mulching on Pleurotus Cultivation: Control of Mushroom Diseases on Pleurotus ostreatus (II)

Perforated vinyl mulching technique was performed on oyster mushroom beds for controlling mushroom diseases. Mycelium under vinyl sheets were safely protected from outside undesirable microorganisms. One of two mushroom farms showed 75% of disease incidence, the other 40% and National Institute of Agricultural Science and Technology (NIAST) 13% in the conventional growing method, whereas 12%, 14%, and 5% in the vinyl mulching cultivation method. Waterlogging caused mushroom bed worse, and Trichoderma spp. were infested on the conventional mushroom bed. Disease incidence investigated in other case was 25% to 30% in the conventional growing method, whereas 5 to 9% in the vinyl mulching cultivation method. Yields in conventional method were 6.5 to 7.2 kg/m2 and those in vinyl mulching method were 7.6 to 8.1 kg/m2. So it was suggested that vinyl mulching technique was good for prevention from disease and elevation of productivity.