EXTENSION REPORT

Baldwin County Office
302A Byrne Street   
Bay Minette, AL  36507   

Michael McIntyre
Urban Regional Extension Agent
Natural Resources/Home Horticulture

May 22, 2008

Edible Mushrooms: A potential income generator.

Most times when we hear of fungi we may think of yeast used for the fermentation of bread and beer; or ringworms or other forms of fungal infections. However, there is another type of fungus much larger than those causing pathogenic infections; as a matter of fact we can consume such fungi.  This edible fungus is from the mushroom family. In this article, we will make special mention to the Shiitake Mushroom.

The cultivation of Shiitake Mushroom began in East Asia, thus the reason why the Japanese cultivate it so well.  The name Shiitake comes from a Japanese tree upon which the mushroom would grow. The art of mushroom cultivation began where hunters and gathers observed mushroom growth on fallen logs; they tasted it and found it to be palatable. Through continued observation and modification the Asians had mastered mushroom cultivation.

Most urban residents do not have the acreage available for farming and therefore can explore the possibilities of mushroom production. Shiitake Mushroom production can be a profitable business for limited resource individuals in the urban location. The initial investment is affordable, logs are readily available and the owner provides his own labor.  This business enterprise can provide a niche market for residents who would like to convert logs into cash. Backyards can be used as an initial experimental plot to understand the production of shiitake mushroom. After a couple of years of success you may want to continue on a larger scale.  

Most edible mushrooms grown in the United States are sold fresh. Some growers dry the mushrooms, which tends to enhance the flavor and increases the shelf-life. Dried mushrooms are sold for about $15.00 per pound, unlike fresh mushrooms, where the quantity in a one pound bag would be less is sold at $5.00 per pound. Well, the most obvious benefit is the one that brings money to your pockets, we rarely think of the social and medical benefits of such a unique food source.  

Mushroom production, like most other viable enterprises will provide some form of employment or positive activity, thus diverting residences attention from negative or other unproductive behaviors.  The sense of reward and achievement of producing mushrooms makes one feel essential and a positive contributor to the social and economic development of their urban communities.

Because of its protein, fiber, vitamin and mineral content; shiitake mushrooms are considered to be nutritious and provides good health and longevity. Research has shown that Shiitake mushroom accelerates metabolism, thus the excretion of cholesterol. Other medical benefits that have been reported include anti-thrombosis activity, anti-biotic activity, anti-viral activity, anti -cancer, anti-tumor and anti-diabetic effect.

Some of the main objectives of the Alabama Cooperative Extension System in reference to Shiitake mushrooms are:  to educate the urban population of the production, health benefits and marketing of Shiitake Mushrooms; to recruit producers, maintain and continue to educate existing producers on new and emerging mushroom productions and marketing techniques. If you need any additional information or are interested in shiitake mushroom production contact Michael McIntyre, Urban Regional Extension Agent at 251-574-8445 or 251-259-1265.

Fire Ant Training

Want to learn a better way to manage fire ants?  Want to find out what to expect from fire ant biological control?  Want to learn how to use a commercial fire ant bait spreader?  Do you need continuing education points  for your Alabama commercial pesticide permit?  On Wednesday, May 30 the historic and scenic Magnolia Cemetery and the Mobile Fire Training classroom facility in downtown Mobile will be the locations for a fire ant education program.  Entomologists Drs. Kathy Flanders and Fudd Graham, Horticulturist, Chazz Hesselein and Regional Extension Agent, Ken Kelley will be presenting information on biology and control of fire ants, the latest on releases of fire ant biological control agents in the region, a discussion of an ongoing fire ant control project and demonstrations of how to use a commercial fire ant bait spreader and how to make sure you are getting the most out of your fire ant bait.  All this and the opportunity to earn continuing education points for your Alabama commercial pesticide permit.

Registration for the meeting is $5.00. To reserve space or for more questions, call Chazz Hesselein at 251-342-2366. The morning training will be held outdoors.  Bring an outdoor chair if you feel you will need a seat.

Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work in agriculture and home economics, Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, and other related acts, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The Alabama Cooperative Extension System (Alabama A&M University and Auburn University) offers educational programs, materials, and equal opportunity employment to all people without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, veteran status, or disability