Optimization of the Lighting Environment in Sawdust-Based Shiitake Cultivation

—Effect of Light Timing on Fruit Body Development During the Culture Stage—

Abstract

Currently, shiitake (Lentinula edodes) is mainly produced by sawdust-based cultivation in a controlled environment. Lighting is only known as a necessity for culture and fruit body development. In this study, we focused on the timing of lighting during in the culture stage and examined its effects on shiitake development. When timing was delayed, a smaller number of fruit bodies developed, but they had a larger fresh weight and diameter. The results suggested the possibility of controlling fruit body size by timing of lighting in the primary culture. However, there were no differences when shiitake were grown under the optimum temperature. Total environmental control, including during development and other stages, would be required to utilize the effect of the timing of lighting.