Commercial Cultivation Techniques of Mushrooms

In this chapter, we will approach the world production of mushrooms considering the three largest world’s producing regions (Asia, European Union/Great Britain and USA), represented by the main producing countries. A thorough description of the different stages in the cultivation of mushrooms is presented in different sections, focusing on spawn production (mycelium inoculum), production of selective substrate (for the nutrition of the crop, with detailed description of the genera Agaricus and Pleurotus) and crop management (environmental requirements and general operations in the production of mushrooms on a commercial scale). Finally, we offer a full description of the most important biotic disorders, which provoke crop losses, including pest and diseases. We also present a state-of-the-art uidelines for the technical staff and growers with scientific input on commercial cropping. Mushroom cultivation is an opportunity to generate nutritious food worldwide in a sustainable way to feed the growing human population and fight hunger.