Utilization of fast-growing willow trees for sawdust-based cultivation of Lentinula edodes: Effect of grain size of willow sawdust on fruit body yield

Abstract

In this study, the effect of grain size of Salix udensis sawdust on the fruiting bodies of Lentinula edodes was investigated through experimental cultivation. Sawdust sorted into four grain sizes was used for each treatment, and unsorted sawdust was used for the control. Compared to the control and other grain sizes, the yield of fruit-bodies with a commercial value (i.e. fruit bodies larger than M size) was higher when using sawdust with a grain size of 0.5 to 1.0 mm. This result indicates that adjusting willow sawdust grain size further enhances the potential usefulness of willow for sawdust-based cultivation of L. edodes.