Effects of mycelium post-ripening time on the yield, quality, and physicochemical properties of Pleurotus geesteranus

This study determined the effects of the mycelium post-ripening time on the growth of Pleurotus geesteranus and the substrate metabolism. The characteristic indexes and timing reflecting the physiological maturity of P. geesteranus mycelium were identified to facilitate precise cultivation in factories. The effects of seven mycelium post-ripening times (20–50 d) on the characteristics, yield, and nutrients of P. geesteranus and the substrate physicochemical properties were investigated using the “Jinxiu” strain. Prolonging the mycelium post-ripening time initially increased and then decreased the yield, high-quality mushroom rate, hardness, and elasticity. Mycelium post-ripening time and yield were positively correlated with the high-quality fruiting rate, total sugar content, and chromatic value, and negatively correlated with the lightness value. Moreover, the mycelium post-ripening time was positively correlated with ergosterol content and catalase activity and negatively correlated with C/N, cellulose content, and superoxide dismutase activity. The most suitable mycelium post-ripening time of P. geesteranus was 35–45 days. The pH and acid protease activities can be indicators for the end of P. geesteranus substrate colonization.