Effect of the physical properties of Lentinula edodes bedlogs on fruiting body production

Fruiting of Lentinula edodes was induced by soaking the bedlogs in water. It appeared that each bedlog had its own optimum water content for fruiting, and the value was affected by the extent of wood decay. A high content of free water, more than 20%, together with a high content of air volume, 32–43%, resulted in good fruiting. As less decayed young bedlogs have high contents of wood substance, it is difficult to obtain high contents of both free water and air volume. This is one reason why less decayed bedlogs produce less fruiting.