Abstract: The device is provided for collecting sap from a tapped hole of a tree. It includes a collector having a substantially frustoconical outer peripheral wall surface and an inner peripheral wall surface. The collector also has a portion that is removably insertable into the tapped hole with a frictional engagement. The material between the peripheral wall surfaces at the removably-insertable collector portion is elastically and temporality deformable in response to a peripheral pressure exerted inwardly on the outer peripheral wall surface when the removably-insertable collector portion is inserted with a forced frictional fit into the tapped hole.

Abstract: The device is provided for collecting sap from a tapped hole of a tree. It includes a collector having a substantially frustoconical outer peripheral wall surface and an inner peripheral wall surface. The collector also has a portion that is removably insertable into the tapped hole with a frictional engagement. The material between the peripheral wall surfaces at the removably-insertable collector portion is elastically and temporality deformable in response to a peripheral pressure exerted inwardly on the outer peripheral wall surface when the removably-insertable collector portion is inserted with a forced frictional fit into the tapped hole.

Abstract: The present invention provides a suspending device for a plant container having a base an upstanding parametric wall projecting from the base, the parametric wall having an outwardly projecting peripheral rim. The suspending device includes a wall receiving portion for receiving and releasably retaining a portion of the upper edge of the wall of the plant container, and a structure-securing portion for allowing the device and the plant container to be secured to a structure. The wall receiving portion may include a shoulder for abutting at least a portion of the peripheral rim. The wall receiving portion may also include a resilient member for maintaining said portion of the peripheral rim in abutting engagement with the shoulder such that the container is retained thereby; wherein, in use, the shoulder is capable of holding the full weight of the container to thereby suspend the container.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sap collecting device, in which an aceric gathering anchor is placed in a tree trunk hole, it draws sap and a plug closes the hole after the season is over. A ball valve type of anchor comprises a channel for sap compatible to existing tubing. A conical shallow tap hole is first drilled. At the head of the anchor there is a plug which is embedded in the sap wood and the anchor is maintained by the bark permanently. A permanent sealing cap surrounds the head of the plug and is maintained moist, to prevent dryness and to limit other hazards, as well as to augment circulation of the sap, thereby providing a sustainable alternative to maple bush, permitting fewer tappings and less damages.

Abstract: An implant device for insertion into the opening of a tree to provide medication to the tree, comprising an elongated, hollow housing of a length adapted to fit within the tree opening, the housing having an enlarged, closed outer end portion of a size approximately the same as that of the tree opening, and a closed inner end portion. A pair of elongated wing portions are disposed on opposite sides of the housing and extend longitudinally from a point near the inner end portion to the outer end portion, the wing portions extending radially outwardly approximately the same distance as the outer end portions. A pair of outwardly and longitudinally extending flexible projections are disposed on opposite sides of the housing between the wing portions and define generally U-shaped openings in the housing on opposite sides thereof in communication with the interior thereof. A locking barb is disposed on each of the projections and extends radially outwardly approximately the same distance as the wing portions.

Abstract: An apparatus for the controlled growth and harvesting of mushrooms and other plant material is disclosed comprising a substrate container including a growth surface through which extend a plurality of growth apertures arrayed in a pattern on the growth surface, and an exposure/cutting plate which is slidably mated to the growth surface. More than one growing surface could be used. The apparatus will allow for the significant reduction of labor and other costs associated with the production of mushrooms or other plant crops.

Abstract: A mushroom bed having a compost layer and a casing layer. The casing layer comprises casing spawn comprising a mixture of: (a) at least one proteinaceous ingredient in an amount to provide at least 3.5% nitrogen on a dry weight basis; (b) 2 to 30 wt % based on dry weight of paper pellets (c) 5 to 60 wt % based on dry weight of at least one particulate material, (d) a buffer in an amount effective to provide a pH of about 6 to 7.8, and (e) water; and colonized with mushroom mycelium.

Abstract: A plastic film covers the compost in a mushroom bed during the spawn run step of the mushroom growing procedure. It is during this step that the spawn begins to colonize the compost with mycelium. The plastic cover is vented by having a pattern of symmetrically arranged holes throughout its area so as to prevent or minimize moisture loss and prevent airborne pathogens from landing on the compost. The vented cover also reduces the CO.sub.2 level while increasing the oxygen rate.

Abstract: A mushroom spawn comprising a mixture of: (a) at least one proteinaceous ingredient in an amount to provide at least 3.5% nitrogen on a dry weight basis; (b) 2 to 30 wt % based on dry weight of paper pellets (c) 5 to 60 wt % based on dry weight of at least one particulate material, (d) a buffer in an amount effective to provide a pH of about 6 to 7.8, and (e) water; and colonized with mushroom mycelium wherein the (b) paper pellets, (c) particulate material, or both in an amount effective to provide at least 10,000 particles per 100 g of finished product.

Abstract: A mushroom spawn-supplement comprising a mixture of: (a) at least one proteinaceous ingredient in an amount to provide at least 3.5% nitrogen on a dry weight basis; (b) 2 to 30 wt % based on dry weight of paper pellets (c) 5 to 60 wt % based on dry weight of at least one particulate material, (d) a buffer in an amount effective to provide a pH of about 6 to 7.8, and (e) water; and colonized with Agaricus bisporus mycelium.

Abstract: A mushroom bed includes open grate as the center section of the floor with wood on each of its sides to complete the floor and with vertical wooden sides. A plastic grid type glider is mounted over the floor. Such glider could be used over the novel grate/wood floor or over conventional all wood floors.

Abstract: A stackable mushroom tray having a plurality of curved ribs that extend near but do not contact sidewalls of the tray. Open corner receptacles are formed at each corner of the tray to receive a spacer. Support feet are formed within each corner of the tray to receive a top surface of the spacer. Raised corrugations are placed between the curved ribs with a plurality of holes between the raised corrugations. A lip is formed around the perimeter of the sidewalls. The tray is preferably made of a composite material such as a plastic and fibrous material that can be easily molded. The structure and configuration of the tray permits a relatively thin walled tray to be used, yet is extremely rigid and can be stacked easily while maintaining lateral stability. The tray can be easily manufactured, relatively inexpensively, provides additional growing space, and requires virtually no assembly, greatly simplifying mushroom growing.

Abstract: A substrate for mycelium growth containing proteins that is constituted by a single product that is sterile prior to the inoculation of the mycelium and is composed, in weight percentages, of the mixture of a water retaining-dispensing component a) in the amount of 16 to 30% by weight of the total weight of components a),b),c) and d), mixed with a buffering component b) in the amount of 25 to 50% by weight of the weight of the water retaining-dispensing component a). The substrate furthermore comprises a protein-containing component c) in the amount of 45 to 75% by weight and a growth-promoting component in the amount of 5 to 25% by weight both with respect to the total weight of components a),b),c) and d) and sufficient water to reach a moisture level between 55 and 60% with respect to the overall weight of the final substrate composition, the protein content of the substrate being preferably 4-20% by weight with respect to the overall weight of the final substrate composition.

Abstract: This invention relates to a submerged fermentation process for producing high biomass levels of mushrooms mycelia in liquid media suitable for semi-continuous or continuous mushroom spawn production. The process provides a sterile, log phase inoculum for a solid substrate that, when based on biomass, exceeds normal inoculation levels by several thousand fold mycelia substrate production. The liquid inoculum so produced can be aseptically transferred to bulk sterilizer to inoculate a sterilizer grain or sawdust substrate for commercial mushroom production. The liquid inoculum may also be inoculated directly onto the mushroom compost. This invention further relates to microcapsules used to enhance the fermentation process and the equipment used to conduct such process.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing fungi, especially mushrooms, using a casing material comprising granules and/or agglomerates of granules of a mineral fibre structure, and to a casing material notably for the use in the production of fungi as well as a method for the preparation of a casing material. The invention furthermore relates to a casing spawn used for the inoculation of a casing material.The mineral fibres may be stone wool fibres, glass wool fibres, slag wool fibres, naturally occurring mineral fibre materials such as wollastonite and the like. The casing material may contain a binding agent, a nutrient source, a mineral source, a wetting agent, a pH-adjusting agent, a liming material, a fertilizer, a chelating agent and/or other excipients.

Abstract: Agaricus bisporus mushroom strains having characteristics of mushroom strain AA-0028, ATCC accession No. 74325, or a progeny thereof and having improved whiteness over commercial mushrooms of the U1 strain are disclosed along with methods of producing new white mushroom strains.

Abstract: A method of protecting a tree including removing parts of the tree which are one of susceptible to necrosis from pathogenic microbes or affected by necrosis and leaving exposed tree surfaces; and applying to the exposed tree surfaces a composition which is an ointment and which is effective to protect a tree against disease which includes allyl isothiocyanate; vinyl acetate resin as a spreading agent; water-based colored paint; metallic powder which is finely divided and which is one of iron or ferrous oxide; and pH regulating agent. The allyl isothiocyanate may be encapsulated by a coating material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the production of three (3) distinct savory flavor types of dehydrated mushrooms: (1) a light-colored material with strong mushroom flavor, (2) a tan-colored material with a meaty, buttery and savory flavor and (3) a dark-colored material with a beefy, meaty, chocolate flavor. All three products exhibit "umami" or monosodium glutamate (MSG)-like mouthfeel and flavor synergy. The mushrooms are produced using specialized nutrient additives, controlled growing conditions and specialized dehydration protocols.

Abstract: A method for the production of high proportions of homokaryons among spores from breeding stock of the mushroom Agaricus bisporus includes the steps of providing a first strain of Agaricus bisporus having tetrasporic ancestry and which carries a gene or genes that determines the trait for production of basidia which predominantly bear at least three spores rather than two, and crossing the first strain of Agaricus bisporus with a second, different strain of Agaricus bisporus to form at least one hybrid heterokaryotic culture. The culture is capable of producing mushrooms having basidia which predominately bear at least three spores, many of which are homokaryotic. The homokaryons taken from the homokaryotic spores can be used in crosses to produce new hybrid strains of Agaricus bisporus mushrooms which may exhibit improvements with respect to various traits including productivity, rate of development, disease resistance, aesthetic qualifies and the like.

Abstract: Provided is a method for the use of 10-oxo-trans-8-decenoic acid (ODA) as a fungal growth hormone to stimulate mycelial growth of cultivated mushrooms. A species of cultivated mushroom is selected and grown in a solid or liquid growth medium which has been supplemented with ODA to a concentration of 10.sup.-7 M to about 10.sup.-4 M. After culturing the mushroom the mycelium of cultivated mushroom is harvested. In addition to a method of using ODA, a method for the hormonal stimulation of fruiting in cultivated mushrooms is also disclosed. The ODA in this method is added to the casing layer of the compost which is mixed with mushroom spawn. Further, the ODA is added to the casing layer in aqueous solution after casing the compost.

Abstract: An improved bag for the cultivation of mushroom spawn is provided the bag has continuous gas permeable sealing strips sealed to the inside walls of the bags which covering openings in the bag, so as to allow the bag to be vented without loss of moisture. The openings and sealing strips are positioned close to the top and bottom of the bag so as to maximize air flow through the mushroom spawn without creating dry spots, thereby improving spawn yield.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for growing fruit bodies of Fistulina hepatica which comprises the steps of cutting off some parts of side wall of a cultivation vessel close to the fruit body primordium-forming part on a solid medium contained in the vessel having at least the bottom and side walls to form perforations on the wall, and making the fruit bodies to grow out of the vessel through the perforations. By this method, the large mature fruit bodies can be efficiently obtained in a short period of time.

Abstract: A novel multistem strain of Lyophyllum ulmarium to form fruiting bodies is disclosed. The cultivation of the novel strain of Lyophyllum ulmarium is achieved by inoculating a medium with a novel strain of Lyophyllum ulmarium and allowing the formation of fruit bodies, the novel strain of Lyophyllum ulmarium being one capable of giving 65 or more, on the average, of fruiting bodies of a stem length of 20 mm or longer when 10 g of a solid inoculum thereof is inoculated into a medium. The medium is prepared by mixing sawdust (an equivolumetric mixture of sawdust from cedar and that from beech) and rice bran at a ratio by volume of 3:1, adjusting the moisture content to 63% and press-bottling into a polypropylene wide-mouthed bottom (volume: 850 ml) in such a manner as to give 535 g of the contents, whereby fruiting bodies are formed in a conventional manner. Three strains of the multistem strain are provided.

Abstract: A method for the production of high proportions of homokaryons among spores from breeding stock of the mushroom Agaricus bisporus includes the steps of providing a first strain of Agaricus bisporus having tetrasporic ancestry and which carries a gene or genes that determines the trait for production of basidia which predominantly bear at least three spores rather than two, and crossing the first strain of Agaricus bisporus with a second, different strain of Agaricus bisporus to form at least one hybrid heterokaryotic culture. The culture is capable of producing mushrooms having basidia which predominately bear at least three spores, many of which are homokaryotic. The homokaryons taken from the homokaryotic spores can be used in crosses to produce new hybrid strains of Agaricus bisporus mushrooms which may exhibit improvements with respect to various traits including productivity, rate of development, disease resistance, aesthetic qualities and the like.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing mycorrhizal fungal propagules in vitro in a two-compartment container having a gellified medium, which comprises the steps of: a) cultivating aseptically transformed dicotyledon root organs, capable of autonomous growth in vitro, in a first compartment containing a mineral minimal medium with sugar, wherein the medium is suitable for root growth; b) inoculating the transformed root organs with endomycorrhizal spores; and c) cultivating the inoculated transformed root organs for a time sufficient for the mycorrhizal fungi to transfer to a second root-free and root exudate-free compartment containing the mineral minimal medium of step a) and for the mass production of fungal propagules to occur in the second compartment.

Abstract: A method of growing mushrooms in which at least one live tree is cut to form a living bottom tree portion having a mushroom growing surface. The live bottom tree portion is inoculated with mushroom spawn and watered to promote decay of the live bottom tree portion at the mushroom growing surface and promote the growing of mushrooms from the mushroom spawn at the mushroom growing surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the production of three (3) distinct savory flavor types of dehydrated mushrooms: (1) a light-colored material with strong mushroom flavor, (2) a tan-colored material with a meaty, buttery and savory flavor and (3) a dark-colored material with a beefy, meaty, chocolate flavor. All three products exhibit "umami" or monosodium glutamate (MSG)-like mouthfeel and flavor synergy. The mushrooms are produced using specialized nutrient additives, controlled growing conditions and specialized dehydration protocols.

Abstract: A medium for enhancing growth and availability of water during a mushroom life cycle, comprising a synthetic resin and a casing material, the resin consisting essentially of a substantially-linear water-soluble polymer capable of forming a water absorbing network within the casing material, such that the polymer is dispersed within the casing material upon exposure to water and retains water for mycelia to mushroom growth progression. Use of polyacrylamides benefits growth by retaining water, reducing evaporation loss, improving yields, and increasing product distribution into larger size ranges.

Abstract: A digger for facilitating the application of a supplement to a mushroom bed includes a shroud having a top wall and side walls. A motor driven shaft is mounted to the side walls with the plurality of digging tines extending generally radially outwardly from the shaft. Supplement is conveyed from a compartment mounted to the shroud and toward the area of the mushroom bed where the tines are digging into the bed.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved casing spawn that reduces the time between casing and the onset of mushroom production. The casing spawn is prepared from particles containing no available nutrients and with a substantial capacity to hold moisture (nutritionally inert particles). The particles are amended with sufficient nutrients to support the growth of Agaricus bisporus mycelium but less than the amount known to inhibit mushroom primordium formation or allow mold growth. A mixture of these ingredients is moistened, sterilized, and inoculated with Agaricus bisporus mycelium. Following incubation to allow full colonization of the mixture, the colonized material is mixed with casing material in order to inoculate mushroom casing layers. The invention provides a fully functional casing spawn without sacrificing mushroom bed volume or risking the transmission of diseases to the crop.

Abstract: A method of farming in which plants are grown on a land mass adjacent to a body of water so that separated plant parts such as apples fall into the water and are harvested from the water. The land mass is sloped so that the plant parts are encouraged to enter the water. The body of water is contained in uniform canals and can be used for raising aquatic food products such as fish. Locks or a flow tube are used to interconnect water at different levels. Food products are harvested from the water using a boat, a conveyor or a water elevator which has a tube for receiving food product from the water and lifting it to a fluid displacement container using a pressurized fluid. The fluid displacement container reduces the length of fall of food product by providing a liquid surface near the top of the container. As the liquid is displaced by the food product, it leaves the container through a drain located near the top of the container.

Abstract: A method harvesting mushrooms comprises steps of engaging picked mushrooms with supporting pins, to place the mushrooms in a desired orientation for separation of caps from stumps, and cutting the caps from the stumps by relative movement of the supported mushrooms and a cutter spaced from the ends of the supporting pins. Size grading of the cut mushrooms is relatively easily accomplished by arranging the picked mushrooms in the apparatus according to size. One apparatus for practicing the method has a frame, a vertically movable bed associated with the frame, and spaced mushroom supporting pins extending upwardly from a bottom wall of the frame through clearance openings in the bed. The pins and bed support mushrooms in an upright position, enabling a horizontally moveable cutter associated with the frame and operable in a plane above the ends of the pins to separate mushroom caps from stumps.

Abstract: An antibacterial and anti-pupation composition which includes at least 60 weight % shredded cortex of Japanese cedar, shredded cortex of Japanese cypress, or a mixture thereof; and a nonionic or anionic surfactant in an amount sufficient to maintain the cortex of Japanese cedar or Japanese cypress water-permeable and water-retentive when dry.

Abstract: There is provided a method of cultivating mushrooms and mushroom spawn, wherein a delayed-release nutrient supplement is utilized. The method is an improvement over prior methods which utilize nutrient supplements in the growing of mushrooms and mushroom spawn. The improvement comprises using as a nutrient supplement an intact seed having its sprouting capability irreversibly inhibited or destroyed, or mixtures thereof, and having inherent delayed-release properties.

Abstract: A bin for mushroom culture for cultivating mushrooms such as shiitake that comprises upper half bin 2 and lower half bin 3 so arranged as to be able to elongate and contract by sliding upward and downward when fitted. Fitting part C of upper half bin 2 and lower half bin 3 is so arranged as to form a ventilating route F connecting the inside and outside at an elongated position P2 compared with the most contracted position P1. Thereby, ventilation is performed through ventilating route F and carbon dioxide, which is heavier than air, is exhausted.

Abstract: A bin cap for mushroom culture bins for cultivating mushrooms such as shiitake (Lentinus edodes (Berk.) Sing.), Lyophyllum shimeji (Kawam.) Hongo, and the like which includes a housing part 2 including a space S internally for ventilation and having windows 2w for ventilation with a broader open area than the open area of bin mouth Bo, breathable filter part 3 blocking window 2w, and fitting part 4 being installed at the under surface 2d of housing part 2 and being attached to or detached from bin mouth Bo. Thereby, the ventilation is secured and the exhaust of carbon dioxide is promoted.

Abstract: There is provided a culture medium for cultivating mushrooms whose material can be selected from a variety of woody materials and which can be transported in a compact form. There is also provided a method of cultivating mushrooms using such a culture medium in which pathogenic and other germs are less likely to breed and with which mushrooms can be cultivated in shorter periods. After adding nutrients such as rice and wheat brans, a mixture of dried sawdust and chip dust is heated at 150.degree.-500.degree. C. for 1-5 minutes under a pressure of 1.0-3.0 t/cm.sup.2 to form a cylindrical woody culture medium. The medium thus obtained is allowed to swell by adding water and then sterilized by sealing it in a bag. Mushroom fungi is then inoculated into it.

Abstract: A biologically pure culture of Lyophyllum decastes capable of forming a fruiting body in an artificial medium. Also provided is a method for cultivation of Lyophyllum decastes to form the fruiting body.

Abstract: A method for cultivation of Lyophyllum ulmarium to form a fruiting body. The Lyophyllum ulmarium is a strain capable of forming a white fruiting body with or without indistinct darker spots around the center thereof. Also provided is a strain of Lyophyllum ulmarium capable of forming such a white fruiting body.

Abstract: A method for the production of high proportions of homokaryons among spores from breeding stock of the mushroom Agaricus bisporus includes the steps of providing a first strain of Agaricus bisporus carrying a gene or genes which determines the trait for production of basidia which predominantly bear at least three spores rather than two, and crossing the first strain of Agaricus bisporus with a second, different strain of Agaricus bisporus.

Abstract: Intact seed of rapeseed is added to compost at spawning to increase the yield of mushrooms similar to chemical-based delayed-release supplements. No chemicals, however, are needed in its preparation, only a treatment to destroy sprouting of the seed.

Abstract: A cultivation vessel for fungi has a wide-mouthed upper opening and a lower opening, each of which is detachably covered by a respective top and bottom end cap. One or more such vessels are prepared, sawdust and rice barn are packed as the culture medium therein, and a mushroom spawn is inoculated thereon to spread and culture the hypha. After culturing for about 20 days, the culture mediums are taken out and further successively cultured for about 3 to 30 days in contact with each other to develop the fruit bodies.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sterilizable bag including a large transparent, heat-sealable plastic sheet closed by a filter strip comprising a three ply laminate in which a central layer is a microporous plastic, a second layer provides strength and a third layer provides a heat-sealable surface for bonding to the transparent plastic sheet to close and seal the bag.

Abstract: A method of improving the yield of mushrooms which comprises supplementing the compost with an effective amount of a salt of an aliphatic, alicyclic or heterocyclic carboxylic acid, said salt being a calcium salt and/or a salt with an aliphatic, alicyclic or heterocyclic amine.

Abstract: A novel mutant strain of Morel mushroom has been found to produce the blue pigment indigo by submerged nutrient culture medium containing a carbon and a fermentation in a nitrogen substrate. A red/purple pigment is also produced. The novel strain is Morchella rotunda nov. ES-1 sp. ATCC 20951.

Abstract: An improved substrate for mushrooms that is essentially cellulose-free comprising a major portion of grain and minor portions of nutritional supplements. The grain is partially sterilized by boiling in order to kill bacteria, cooled in order to induce germination of the heat resistant spores, and steam sterilized before the germinated spores have matured sufficiently to create new spores. The substate can be used to grow fungi, including mushrooms, especially shiitake.

Abstract: A mushroom cultivation apparatus includes an air suction fan or a vacuum pump which suctions air in all or part of an incubation chamber, a budding chamber and a plurality of suppressing and growing chambers, which are required for cultivation of mushrooms, to reduce pressure in the chambers so that concentration of carbonic acid gas in a cultivation bottle in the cultivation chamber, the budding chamber and the plurality of suppressing and growing chambers is reduced to a predetermined concentration or less, preferably to a 15% concentration or less. Thus, carbonic acid gas in the cultivation bottle is forceably exhausted to adjust the concentration of carbonic acid gas in the cultivation bottle to an optimum condition.

Abstract: A vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal inoculum composition comprising host plant roots colonized by at least one species of vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus, the colonized roots having a particle size in the range of from about 33 .mu.m to about 425 .mu.m and a propagule density of up to about 1,000,000 vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi propagules per gram dry mass of host plant root; methods for the encapsulation thereof and methods for enhancing plant growth utilizing the inocula.

Abstract: A mushroom cultivation method and apparatus concentrate the sunlight through a sunlight concentrating device 17 and introduce the sunlight into a hermetically sealed cultivation chamber through optical fibers 8 at a cultivation term after completion of scrambling of mushroom spawn (operation of budding mushrooms). Mushrooms are irradiated with the introduced sunlight intermittently for a predetermined time. Cultivation environment near natural growing environment can be formed. The intensity of illumination, a wavelength and an irradiating time of the sunlight are adjusted if necessary.

Abstract: An artificial cultivation method of Agaricus blazei, i.e., edible basidiomycetes which grow wild in fields and mountains in the Sao Jose do Rio Preto district located northwestward of Sao Paulo city, Brazil. The optimum cultivation conditions have been established by studying the form of development of the Agaricus blazei and also the method has been completed with a view to reducing the harvesting period and increasing the yield.