Breeding of Improved Turkey Tail Mushroom Varieties for Market Development and Native Habitat Protection

Commodities

Practices

The domestic cultivation of turkey tail mushrooms (Trametes versicolor) has traditionally been limited to low-yielding log-based cultivation with much of the US-produced turkey tail on the market gathered from native woodlots across the country leading to overharvesting and woodlot disturbance. Meanwhile, commercial turkey tail from foreign sources routinely tests high for heavy metals and pesticides. While turkey tail mushrooms are highly valued for their medicinal properties, the lack of vigorous strains prevents small farms from producing for the medicinal mushroom market. The primary research problem this project aims to address is the lack of turkey tail mushroom strains specifically adapted for reliable outdoor fruiting for farmers in the North Central region.

By developing turkey tail strains that can thrive in outdoor conditions on standard enriched sawdust substrate, we seek to:

1. Increase the accessibility of turkey tail mushroom cultivation for small-scale farmers
2. Reduce the infrastructure costs associated with mushroom production
3. Create new market opportunities for farmers, allowing them access to value-added processors

Solving this research problem will open new avenues for sustainable, low-input mushroom production in the region while reducing the threat to regional ecosystems caused by over-foraging and woodlot disturbance.

Solution: This research project aims to develop turkey tail mushroom strains optimized for outdoor production on sawdust substrate, utilizing sustainable agriculture practices throughout the process. The trial will be set up as follows:

1. Strain Selection and Breeding:
   • We will start with a collection of available turkey tail strains, including both wild-collected specimens and commercial varieties.
   • These strains will be evaluated for desirable traits such as vigor, resiliency, and fruiting yield.
   • Top-performing strains will be crossed from spores and/or cloned using tissue culture techniques
2. Substrate Preparation:
   • Several substrates will be tested, using a base of locally sourced hardwood sawdust (a by-product of the lumber industry) and an agricultural waste products such as soy hulls and rice hulls, giving preference to products suitable for use in an Organic system.
   • We will experiment with different substrate mixes to optimize colonization and fruiting.
   • Sustainable inputs such as gypsum (a calcium source) will be added to enhance nutrition.
3. Outdoor Trial Setup:
   • Two locations in different microclimates within the North Central region will be used in the trials, one in Boone County and one in Callaway County.
   • Each will set up no less than 3 outdoor 2' x 20' plots, each containing 40 substrate blocks.
   • A minimal-irrigation system will be installed to ensure consistent moisture levels.
4. Strain Testing:
   • Promising strains (including hybrids) will be tested at each farm location in rotation during the growing seasons of Spring & Fall.
   • Substrate blocks will be inoculated and allowed to colonize indoors before being moved to outdoor plots.
   • Control groups using current commercial strains will be included for comparison.
5. Data Collection:
   • We will monitor and record key parameters including:
     • Colonization rates
     • Time to first fruiting
     • Yield per flush
     • Number of flushes
     • Mushroom quality (size, color, texture -- subjective)
     • Resistance to pests and diseases
6. Strain Refinement:
   • Based on performance data, top-performing strains will be further refined through selective breeding.
   • We will aim to stabilize desirable traits over multiple generations.
7. Nutritional and Medicinal Compound Analysis:
   • Samples from each strain will be analyzed for key compounds such as polysaccharides and triterpenes by a reputable lab.
8. Economic Viability Assessment:
   • We will track all inputs (time, materials, energy) to calculate the cost of production.
   • Market research will be conducted to determine potential selling prices and demand, relying on existing industry contacts.
   • A comprehensive economic analysis will be performed to assess the viability of outdoor turkey tail production for small-scale farmers.
9. Knowledge Dissemination:
   • Regular field days will be hosted to demonstrate the cultivation process to other farmers and interested members of the public.
   • Workshops on strain selection, substrate preparation, and outdoor cultivation techniques will be offered.
   • Online resources, including video tutorials and a comprehensive cultivation guide, will be developed.
   • Culture plates of top-producing varieties will be available to mushroom farmers.

This approach integrates sustainable practices throughout the research process, from utilizing agricultural by-products as substrate to implementing water-conserving irrigation methods. By focusing on outdoor production, we aim to reduce energy inputs typically associated with indoor mushroom cultivation, making turkey tail production more accessible and environmentally friendly for small-scale farmers.

Objectives: 

1. Develop at least two new turkey tail mushroom strains optimized for outdoor production.
2. Evaluate the performance of new strains for the North Central region.
3. Establish best practices for outdoor turkey tail cultivation, including substrate composition, irrigation methods, and pest management techniques.
4. Assess the economic viability of outdoor turkey tail production for small-scale farmers.
5. Create and disseminate comprehensive resources for farmers interested in adopting outdoor turkey tail cultivation, including a cultivation guide, video tutorials, and hands-on workshops.