Diversification of Edible Mushroom Cultivation with Native Catalan Species

Agricultural project focused on cultivating 18 native Catalan edible mushroom species, including Agrocybe aegerita, Fistulina hepatica, Grifola frondosa, and Pleurotus eryngii. Field collection yielded 43 shipments. Inoculum production used sterilised wheat, barley, and sorghum at 23°C, successfully testing 87 strains. Small-scale trials with sawdust substrates (60–65% humidity) at 20–25°C showed positive results for six species. Protocols validated for Agrocybe aegerita, Grifola frondosa, Meripilus giganteus, Pleurotus eryngii, and Polyporus squamosus. Lypophyllum decastes required heather compost; Sparassis crispa may need conifer substrates. Fistulina hepatica showed chemical profiles matching wild specimens. Project diversified commercial mushroom cultivation with previously uncultivated native species.