Abstract
Three experiments were performed to determine the effect of selected saccharides on mushroom yield and basidiome size of shiitake (Lentinula edodes) when grown on a synthetic substrate. Substrate formulations of sawdust, wheat bran, and millet were nonamended or amended with sucrose, fructose, or glucose. Addition of sucrose (0.6 to 1.2% [dry weight]) to the substrate stimulated mushroom yield by 11 to 20% or more. Addition of fructose at 1.2% and glucose at 0.6% resulted in similar yield increases. Most of the yield increase occurred on the first break. The substrate amended with 1.2% sucrose tended to have a more synchronous maturation for the second break resulting in fewer days when mushrooms were harvested.