An intriguing article in the latest edition of Invasive Plant Science and Management sheds light on the use of invasive tree logs to cultivate edible and marketable mushrooms.
The lead author of the study, Kristen Bowers, Ph.D., a postdoc research scientist at New Mexico State University and USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) biological science technician in Tallahassee, Florida, emphasizes that producing edible mushrooms from invasive tree species can be a sustainable income source for small farms in the Southeastern United States.
Utilizing invasive trees for mushroom cultivation not only benefits farmers economically but also contributes to ecosystem enhancement, environmental quality improvement, and biodiversity protection while supporting local food systems.
The study highlights Chinese tallowtrees as a viable option for producing shiitake mushrooms economically on farms in northern Florida and southern Georgia compared to native oak species commonly used for mushroom cultivation.
Although oak logs yield more shiitake mushrooms than tallowtree logs individual mushrooms grown on tallowtrees are significantly larger in size and weight.
While Chinese tallowtrees show promise for mushroom production, other non-native tree species like silktree, earleaf acacia, Chinaberry, and paperbark tree did not demonstrate feasibility in this study. The key takeaway is that edible fungi can help recycle biomass from certain invasive trees into a valuable income-generating resource like Chinese tallowtree logs.
Published: 2024-10-22 15:15:02
Link to article on phys.org