Shiitake Cultivation on Sawdust: Evaluation of Selected Genotypes for Biological Efficiency and Mushroom Size

Abstract
Twenty-four unique genotypes of Lentinus edodes were evaluated for their biological efficiency (BE), mushroom size and mushroom quality on a nutrient enriched sawdust substrate. Significant differences among lines were found for these parameters. Biological efficiencies ranged from 124% (WC 305) to 6.1% (WC 295). Percentages of mushrooms produced with abnormal morphology ranged from a low of 0% to a high of 88%. Breeding and selection of shiitake lines for improved biological efficiency, size and quality would reduce production costs and may help to increase consumption of fresh shiitake mushrooms.