Evaluation of F₀-based sterilization for microbial safety and mycelial growth of enoki mushroom (Flammulina velutipes) substrate.

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Citation abstract

Sterilization of enoki mushroom (Flammulina velutipes) substrate is a critical step to ensure both microbial safety and optimal mycelial growth for mushroom production. In this study, the substrates were heat treated with various F₀ values ranging from 10.93 to 181.25 and evaluated for physicochemical properties such as moisture content, mycelial growth, and microbial safety. The optimal sterilization range for ensuring microbial safety and mycelial growth was F₀ values of 31.98-121.62. F₀ values lower than 31.98 allow bacteria to re-grow during mycelial cultivation, increasing the risk of contamination and inhibiting mycelial growth. In contrast, excessive sterilization at F₀ = 181.25 caused moisture loss and substrate charring, inhibiting mycelial growth. These findings indicate the importance of optimizing sterilization parameters to balance microbial inactivation and efficient mycelial growth in mushroom cultivation, providing practical guidance for optimizing sterilization conditions in commercial mushroom cultivation. Moreover, this approach may also help minimize the risk of microbial contamination and ensure the high quality and microbial safety of the mushroom product.