Abstract

PELAEZ, JUAN CAMILO; TORRES, CELINA  and  DIAZ, JAIME ERNESTO. Effect of two magnetic fields on the mycelial growth and sensorial properties of the mushroom Pleurotus ostreatus. rev.colomb.cienc.hortic. [online]. 2013, vol.7, n.1, pp.89-97. ISSN 2011-2173.

The present study evaluated the action of static magnetic fields on the mycelial growth of the edible oyster mushroom Pleurotus ostreatus ([Jacq: Fries)] Kummer) strain WC-923, known for its high medicinal and nutritional values. Magnetic fields were produced using ferrite magnets with intensities of 125 mT and 250 mT. The exposure periods were 10, 30, and 60 minutes, 48 hours and 7 days. Mycelial growth data were taken on day 7 and it was observed that the magnet treatment of 250 mT with the exposure period of 7 days showed the greatest mycelial diameter (8.8 cm), with indication that this treatment showed the lowest variation compared to the others. In the Dunnett post-Anova test, the treatment of 125 mT with 7 days of exposure was the only one that showed significant differences compared with the control group. The treatments of 125 mT and 250 mT with 7 days of exposure showed changes in the aromatic characteristics with aniseed odors during the first 10 days, which later became almond-like. Physical observation showed that some mycelia built central rings in high relief, which secreted an orange colored metabolite characterized as nematicide. It was concluded that the application of magnetic fields has a positive growth effect on the fungus.

Keywords : edible mushroom; biomagnetism; ferrite magnets; macrofungus.

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