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Appl Environ Microbiol. 1967 May; 15(3): 646-649
Copyright © 1967 American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.

Irradiation of Composts Used in the Propagation of Agaricus bisporus¹

New York State Agricultural Experiment Station, Department of Food Science and Technology, Cornell University, Geneva, New York 14456

ABSTRACT

Unpasteurized horse manure composts were given radiation doses of 0.1 and 1.0 Mrad in an attempt to increase mushroom yields by eliminating competing microorganisms. Yields were enhanced by 0.1 Mrad but were lower than those obtained with heat-pasteurized composts. Composts subjected to 1.0 Mrad gave the lowest yields, probably because of the generation of ammonia and other toxic compounds. Only temporary changes in the predominant microflora could be detected as a result of ionizing radiations.

¹ Approved for publication by the Director of the New York State Agricultural Experiment Station, Geneva, as Journal Paper No. 1549.