Abstract: An osmoprotectant particle for use in enhancing fungus growth and particularly for use with edible mushrooms. The osmoprotectant particle includes a carrier particle, either a protein or a neutral material and a plurality of osmoprotectant microdroplets containing water soluble phosphoglyceride such as hydroxy lecithin and betaine or choline which are attached to a plurality of recesses formed about the carrier particle. Denaturation of the protein and/or control of a surface-to-volume ratio restricts access to the microdroplets such that only mushroom mycelia occuring in the later flushes will be able to utilize the phospholipid droplets. A method is provided for producing the osmoprotectant particles utilizing either the protein carrier particle or the neutral carrier particle.

Abstract: The present invention includes an improved nutrient, in particle form, for use in enhancing fungus growth, and particularly directed to edible mushrooms. The nutrient is in the form of conglomerate particles including an irregularly shaped matrix particle and a plurality of enhancer droplets attached to the matrix particle at various recessed attachment positions. The matrix material is denatured protein while the enhancer droplets are fatty oil and phospholipid material microencapsulated in a layer of activated protein mixed with mycelium growth stimulators. The present invention further includes a method for preparing nutrient particles for increasing the growth and yield of mushrooms.

Abstract: The present invention is a process for preparing growth and nutritional enhancement additives for use with mushroom cultivation and products prepared therefrom. The process includes subprocesses for preparing an activator particle containing ingredients which help maximize growth activity in the fungus and a combination particle which includes activator particles and delayed release nutrient material which helps to sustain optimal growth. The particles produced by the process, namely the activator particle, the combination particle and a method for bringing the particles into contact with mushroom mycelia at the optimum time are also included. The invention is intended to maximize efficient, rapid and healthy growth in commercial mushroom strains.

Abstract: The present invention includes an improved nutrient, in particle form, for use in enhancing fungus growth, and particularly directed to edible mushrooms. The nutrient is in the form of conglomerate particles including an irregularly shaped matrix particle and a plurality of enhancer droplets attached to the matrix particle at various recessed attachment positions. The matrix material is denatured protein while the enhance droplets are fatty oil and phospholipid material microencapsulated in a layer of activated protein mixed with mycelium growth stimulators. The present invention further includes a method for preparing nutrient particles for increasing the growth and yield of mushrooms.