Techniques for the Cultivation of the Medicinal Mushroom Royal Sun Agaricus-Agaricus blazei Murr. (Agaricomycetideae)

The cultivation of the Royal Sun Agaricus or Agaricus blazei Murr. is discussed in detail. The particular temperature, humidity and environmental requirements are delineated, accompanied by recommended strategies for crop management. Fruitbodies grown from the same culture on sterilized sawdust have light pilei whereas fruitbodies grown from fermented manure-based compost have dark brown pilei, suggesting that substrate composition affects pigmentation during the expression of the fruitbody. Since cap pigmentation has been used as a taxonomic feature of some importance in the genus Agaricus, this study raises concerns about its taxonomic significance. The medicinal properties of this mushroom and its potential application in recycling are discussed.