Biostimulant alternative casing for a sustainable and profitable mushroom industry

Project Information

BIOSCHAMP

Grant agreement ID: 101000651

DOI

10.3030/101000651

Project closed

EC signature date 7 September 2020

Start date 1 October 2020

End date 30 September 2024

Funded under

• SOCIETAL CHALLENGES - Food security, sustainable agriculture and forestry, marine, maritime and inland water research, and the bioeconomy

Total cost

€ 4 146 448,92

EU contribution

€ 3 687 540,00

Coordinated by

ASOCIACION PROFESIONAL DE PRODUCTORES DE SUSTRATOS Y HONGOS DE LA RIOJA NAVARRA Y ARAGON
Spain

Periodic Reporting for period 3 - BIOSCHAMP (Biostimulant alternative casing for a sustainable and profitable mushroom industry)

Reporting period: 2023-10-01 to 2024-09-30

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

In this project, we will develop an integrated approach to fight against the main health challenges in mushroom production (parasitic fungi and bacteria). With the development of a microbiota enriched casing soil we will decrease the need for pesticides and we will contribute to improve the productivity, the sustainability and the profitability of the European mushroom sector

The overall objective of the BIOSCHAMP project is to demonstrate the viability of decreasing pesticides use and presence in mushroom by making use of an alternative casing soil enriched with a natural advanced microbiota while safeguarding the profitability of mushroom businesses.

The following suggestions/research gaps should be considered for future projects:
The recommendations made below are related to potential future projects.
- The graphs should provide statistical data and information on the number of samples tested so that the reader can better understand the information
- It happened that an analyte or organisms could not be measured due to low concentration when trying to detect them in a very complex matrix. In future, it could be first measured in crop where the detection limits for the analyte or microorganisms are, before trying to track or monitor them. A method change to detect the targeted analyte or organism could be needed
- In technical documentation aimed at end users, the format of the parameters should be practical
- It is recommended to continue research and development for the more consistent methods in ensuring consistent supply, quality control, and efficient integration into existing casing production processes. Also, careful consideration of the logistic factors is the key successful implementation of these materials
- It is recommended to continue work on biostimulants in a follow-up project, which focus on further organisms, comparing existing biostimulants with the new established protocol for efficiency of biostimulants in mushroom production, the scaling procedures and foaming reduction strategies

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

The main tasks carried out during the first reporting period were focused on the study of the agronomic behavior of alternative casing materials, and the study and selection of strains to be included in the biostimulant cocktail developed for mushroom cultivation. Two genera have been selected for its development as biostimulants. The consortium has designes specific TaqMan assays to quantify the presence of for selected biostimulants in casing materials.
Different compositions of the alternative casing soil were compared to that of a conventional peat-based casing. Mushroom trials were done on productivity, mushroom quality and growth dynamics of 25 different casing soils partially based on the use of sustainable peat-alternatives.
The second 18 months of the project were focused on the research and development of the solution biostimulant + alternative casing soils. Two materials (GrassB and Sphagnum moss) have been selected on the basis of their economic and technical sustainability as Bioschamp solution. We have demonstrated the biocontrol potential of 5 strains of Bacillus velezensis against four major mushroom pathogens and identified Fengycin as the predominant antifungal metabolite produced by these bacteria. However, it has not been possible to scale up the biostimulant solution with successful results.
During last 12 months medium scale trials have been carried out with two commercial biostimulants and with an improved bacteria with no positive results. Peat substitution percentages up to 75% have been tested with promising results. Two alternative casing soils (50% peat + 50% Sphagnum and 50% peat + 50% grass fibers) have been successfully carried out at industrial scale. A survey of Bioschamp alternatives was carried out with the validators and the results were used to develop a set of recommendations for end users.
The industrialisation process of two alternative casing soils have been developed and the commercialisation plan for BIOSCHAMP alternative casing soils, B-grass and sphagnum moss, has been carried out.
The strategy emphasises the importance of a gradual market introduction, working with conservative volumes in the short term and working with key customers to refine the product. The regions selected should have existing infrastructure, access to the necessary raw materials, a concentration of growers and favourable macro-environmental conditions. Large volume production may result in lower prices for alternative topsoil than for traditional peat.
In regulatory challenges, the restriction imposed by Regulation 2018/848 on organic products has been identified. Consultation work has been carried out for the inclusion of these new materials in the organic farming regulations.
In terms of intellectual property rights, the patent study regarding the use of sphagnum moss and grass as casing materials determined they are not patentable.
BIOSCHAMP’s successful dissemination and communication relied on active and engaging campaigns tailored to its diverse audiences, highlighting the benefits of the developed alternative casing soils and their impact on sustainability and economic viability.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

The European legislation regarding the use of pesticides is becoming more an more restrictive. In mushroom cultivation, the active ingredients allowed are more limited every year. The trend, as BIOSCHAMP anticipated, is to use microorganisms as a mechanism to fight pathogens.

On the other hand, the problem of banning the use of peat in Europe is becoming more and more real, since October 2022 Ireland has taken the lead in this prohibition. Currently, the use of peat is essential for mushroom cultivation, however, several projects, including BIOSCHAMP, are working on finding alternative materials to the use of peat that are environmentally friendly.

We propose to contribute to health challenges in mushroom production by developing an integrated solution specifically made for this sector. We will develop a peat-free casing soil with enriched microbiota. The microbiota has demonstrated effect against the main parasitic fungi and bacteria that limit mushroom fructification and growth, its integration in the soil facilitates growers’ operations and ensures correct dosage.


Expected impacts of BIOSCHAMP project:
- To improve farmer, consumer and citizen awareness of and trust in global health approaches through clear and transparent and integrated assessments, pest / disease / weed prevention and control strategies for EU agricultural production and / or the agri-food chain and related communication
- To introduce alternative approaches, tools, strategies and/or products for prevention and control of pests/diseases/weeds with improved environmental performance
- To assess the potential risks and benefits of the chosen alternatives in a coherent and consistent way in view of safety and sustainability
- To improve current agronomic, ecological and cultural practices to increase the resilience of agricultural production and/or the agri-food chain against biotic stresses
- To assess the economic, social and environmental impact of the alternative proposals for the farmers and/or consumers
- In the longer-term results will strengthen an integrated health approach and foster the sustainable use of pesticides thereby reducing the exposure of human and animals, terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, drinking water and the food chain to pesticides

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