Abstract: A mushroom tray comprising a tray portion having opposing sidewalls, opposing end walls and a substantially flat bottom sheet having a parallity of channels formed therein and extending therealong, corrosion-resistant I-beams positioned within the channels for strengthening and stiffening the bottom sheet, and a parallity of clips for securing the I-beams to the underside of the bottom sheet. In a preferred embodiment, the trays include downwardly projecting legs which are shaped enable the trays to be stacked vertically. Also in the preferred embodiment, the trays are made of a polyolefin and the I-beams are made of aluminum. The end walls also preferably include I-beams for re-enforcement; the I-beams are totally enclosed in the end wall structure to minimize exposure to a corrosive atmosphere.

Abstract: A living thing nurturing device for nurturing plants which absorb carbon dioxide and produce oxygen and funguses or fish produce oxygen and produce carbon dioxide comprises a first air-tight receptacle for the nurturing plants and a second air-tight receptacle for nurturing the funguses or fish. Air in the first air-tight receptacle containing a sufficient amount of oxygen is supplied into the second air-tight receptacle and air in the second air-tight receptacle containing a sufficient amount of carbon dioxide is supplied into the first air-tight receptacle. A water tank is installed in the first air-tight receptacle and the temperature of water contained in the water tank is controlled at a value a little lower than the temperature suitable for nurturing the plants, and air containing a sufficient amount of carbon dioxide emitted from the second air-tight receptacle is supplied through the water tank into the first air-tight receptacle.

Abstract: Method of cultivating mushrooms in a culture medium containing aluminum or a particular aluminum compound.

Abstract: A method of converting the composition of peat which comprises the steps of:mixing the peat with 10 to 40% by weight of particles of cereals such as corn or bran thereof on the basis of the weight of the peat;culturing the hyphas of a mycorhiza-forming, white-rotting edible mushroom with the mixture used as a culture bed;germinating the resultant fruit bodies;removing the fruit bodies from the culture bed;utilizing the residue as a livestock feed; andwhere required, adding a fermentation agent to the residue to ferment it into a fertilizer.

Abstract: This invention provides strains of commercial mushrooms whose genetic material comprises genes from more than one species. These strains include a novel strain of the commercial mushroom genus Agaricus which is a cellular hybrid produced by fusion between protoplasts of two different Agaricus species. In another embodiment, this invention provides improved strains for commercial production of mushroom fruit which are progeny from crosses of Agaricus sp. with a cellular hybrid produced by fusion between protoplasts of two different species of the genus Agaricus.

Abstract: A nutrient supplement for enhancing the growth of mushrooms in a compost bed is disclosed. The supplement comprises a protein material (e.g., corn gluten meal) coated with a hydrophilic carbohydrate material.

Abstract: A method of cultivating wood-decaying edible fungi, comprises mixing spawn of the fungi with a substrate comprising comminuted wood which has been hydrated and sterilized or pasteurized, exposing the mixture to conditions under which the spawn will grow and fruit, and subjecting the spawn-run substrate to thermal shock comprising sequentially raising, lowering and raising the temperature, to 28.degree.-30.degree. C., 10.degree.-15.degree. C. and 20.degree.-25.degree. C., respectively.

Abstract: A method for the production of edible mushrooms, particularly Pleurotus or Volvaria, wherein the inoculum or spawn is in liquid suspension and the substrate is packed before pasteurization. The substrate contained in a specially adapted plastic bag which is no more handled during the following steps: pasteurization, inoculation. The bag is a specially adapted plastic bag which is provided with a number of gas exchange surfaces or membranes which are impervious to outside microorganisms thereby avoiding contamination of the nutrient substrate by outside microorganisms. Inoculation can be performed by injection of the inoculum in suspension through the plastic bag.

Abstract: A nurturing device for effectively nurturing living organisms such as plants, fish, etc. in desert areas of tropical regions by use of unused second-hand containers and a solar ray collecting device. The device comprises a plurality of containers and a solar ray collecting device. The solar rays collected by use of the solar ray collecting device are guided into the containers respectively through optical conductor cables for the purpose of nurturing living organisms therein.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for preparing a biological extract from comminuted fungus material and insect larvae for regenerating the hair and skin. The starting material is held for a relatively long period of time in a vessel provided with a drain device, and the drainage is collected via a collecting tray and then allowed to stand for relatively long periods of time. Finally, the extract is made up with an oil compatible with the skin or an alcohol compatible with the skin to make the desired hair tinctures or skin oils. The preparations are biologically based and served to regenerate hair growth and regenerate and tighten the skin.

Abstract: The invention provides novel strains of Basidiomycetes and more particularly, novel strains of Lyophyllum ulmarium. The novel strains are characterized by having a cap which is not concave when the fruiting body has matured. A process is provided comprising inoculation of Lyophyllum ulmarium with a cap which is not concave when the fruiting body has matured on a medium to form the fruiting body.Also provided is a method comprising the mating of Lyophyllum ulmarium Lu 1-8 with other Lyophyllum ulmarium and the harvesting of Lyophyllum ulmarium with a cap which is not concave when the fruiting body has matured in a term of cultivation up to harvest of the fruiting body that does not exceed 100 days.

Abstract: Supporting structure for seed beds, in particular for cultivating mushrooms, which construction consists of a number of evenly spaced parallel longitudinal girders, whose upper sides form a bearing surface for a synthetic cloth which can be pulled along the upper sides and in the longitudinal direction of the girders by means of mechanical means, during which movement of the cloth garden mould, compost, manure and the like is deposited on the cloth or removed therefrom, whereby the bearing surface for the cloth formed by the upper sides of the girders is provided with a profile in order to reduce the friction between the cloth and the girders.

Abstract: A system for manufacturing a solid medium for cultivating mushrooms includes a mixer for mixing and agitating medium materials, and a heater coupled to the mixer for sterilizing the medium materials from the mixer with the heat of steam. The sterilized medium materials are then delivered into a cooler connected to the heater, and cooled and moistened by water scattered by a sprinkler. The cooler is coupled to a mycelia supply source for supplying mycelia of the mushroom with which the cooled medium materials are spawned. The solid medium thus produced is then packaged by a packaging mechanism in a germ-free environment.

Abstract: A method and structure for growing mushrooms through use of slab wood and cut round wood chunks as the host wood with the host wood having a passage for internally watering of the host wood to maintain the proper moisture content in the host wood as the host wood is supported by an external framework.

Abstract: Apparatus for cultivating for example mushrooms, whereby a desired climate is preserved in a building. Disposed in the building standing parallel to each other are racks in which trays are placed in which the mushrooms are cultivated. Arranged in the passage between the racks and horizontally along them are rails which can be driven synchronously in vertical direction. A platform can travel over the rails. The platform can therefore be carried to any required position along the racks. Personnel can take up position on the platform, for instance to pick the mushrooms. Further coupled to the rails is a belt conveyor which carries away the picked mushrooms.

Abstract: In a method for culturing and cultivating fungi according to the present invention, the woods with the small diameter are used as the host woods. Into these woods with the small diameter, the fungi are inoculated through a cellulose sheet. The inoculated fungi are cultured and cultivated in a plastic bag having a porous site.According to the culture and cultivation method of the present invention, the mushroom of high quality can be harvested in a very short period.

Abstract: The invention pertains to culturing ascoscarps or fruitbodies of species of the genus Morchella. Mycelia are provided with nutrients and subsequently produce nutrient-primed mycelia, such as nutrient-rich sclerotia or nutrient-rich hyphae, in which are stored sufficient nutrients to supply the ascocarps that develop later. The fungus is induced to give rise to ascocarp development by initially maintaining the fungus in an environment that is poor in exogenous nutrients, and by exposing the fungus to a high level of water. After induction, primorida appear. The period from primordia appearance until midway to maturation of the fruitbodies represents a critical period during which the fruitbodies are prone to abort. During this critical period, particular attention is directed to maintaining favorable conditions. The fruitbodies, which may be grown to maturation, are ultimately harvested.

Abstract: A method and system for growing tree mushrooms indoors, from within self contained vessels. An enclosed cylindrical container houses a colony of mushroom mycelium and rehydrated nutritive substrate. Said container is surrounded by cloth/fabric with water absorbent properties. When holes are made through the fabric and container the mycelium colony is stimulated to produce mushrooms. The apparatus is then partially submerged in a shallow reservoir of water. Moisture absorbed from the fabric then supplies the mushrooms with required moisture for development. The method consists of filling the container with a substrate (such as whole grain), adding an appropriate volume of water through a hole in the container, and covering the hole with an adhesive membrane, then sterilizing the container and contents. After cooling, appropriate fungus is inoculated to the substrate and is incubated at a required temperature for an appropriate time period.

Abstract: A process of preparing a mushroom growth medium from a cellulosic material is provided in which the cellulosic material used in the solid-state fermentation process is chemically ammoniated. The chemical ammoniation step reduces composting time, particularly preconditioning time, while providing a compost and a mushroom bed material comparable to that achieved by commercial composting processes, which do not use ammoniated straw.

Abstract: The invention is to provide an improved method of growing mushrooms and a device for use therein. According to conventional methods, harvest of mushrooms sharply declines in quality and quantity on and after about the fourth time of harvest after starting the first harvest, hence it is necessary to scrap a growing bed once used and to prepare a new growing bed entirely repeating the same arrangement from the initial stage. According to the invention, a fruit body bud gathering layer once formed around the boundary between a compost layer and a casing soil layer is removed immediately before the decline in harvest, thereby improving the mushroom harvest both in quality and quantity. Cost reduction according to one embodiment amounts to 20-28%.

Abstract: A method of cultivating wood-decaying edible fungi, which comprises hydrating and sterilizing comminuted wood, inoculating the thus-treated spawn of the fungi, and exposing the inoculated wood to conditions under which the spawn will grow and fruit.

Abstract: A method of producing a mushroom aroma in mushroom cell masses. Heretofore, mushroom aromas have been produced nearly exclusively by using dried mushrooms or extracts from mushroom apothecia. Products from fermentatively cultured mushroom mycelium have thus far contained very little 1-octen-3-ol. According to the invention, fermentative cultured mushroom mycelium is mechanically treated in the presence of air, followed by contentration by known methods. Mushroom aromas are obtained in mushroom cell masses with high 1-octen-3-ol content, making the masses suitable for use in mushroom soups or mushroom sauces.

Abstract: A synthetic substrate which supports the growth and development of filamentous fungi is disclosed. The substrate is comprised of a nutrient in a hydrated hydrogel matrix forming a capsule. In a preferred embodiment, the capsule has an irregular external surface to allow filamentous fungi to adhere thereto even when shaken. Also disclosed is a synthetic CACing agent which includes the synthetic substrate of the present invention, a method of manufacturing the synthetic substrate of the present invention and a method of cultivating mushroom spawn and cultivating mushrooms utilizing the synthetic substrate.

Abstract: A mushroom growth enhancer is provided consisting of a cracked soybean product in combination with a preservative agent. The cracked soybean product is size-adjusted to -10+30 U.S. standard mesh and dehulled. The dehulled, size-adjusted product is then combined with a preservative agent. The resulting combination is pasteurized at 220.degree. F. for 5 minutes. After pasteurization, excess water is evaporated to prevent spoilage by microorganisms not destroyed during pasteurization. After water evaporization, the resulting product is rapidly cooled. Rapid cooling prevents denaturation of the soybean protein. Because the present invention consists of a substantially undenatured protein product, the use of adversely high temperature conditions and harmful chemical denaturants is not required.

Abstract: A mushroom growing supplement is prepared from acidic corn gluten meal by mixing with aqueous formaldehyde while maintaining the meal in free-flowing condition. The treated meal is then packaged without heating or drying and is ready for use by mushroom growers.

Abstract: The invention pertains to culturing ascoscarps or fruitbodies of species of the genus Morchella. Mycelia are provided with nutrients and subsequently produce nutrient-primed mycelia, such as nutrient-rich sclerotia or nutrient-rich hyphae, in which are stored sufficient nutrients to supply the ascocarps that develop later. The fungus is induced to give rise to ascocarp development by initially maintaining the fungus in an environment that is poor in exogenous nutrients, and by exposing the fungus to a high level of water. After induction, primordia appear. The period from primordia appearance until midway to maturation of the fruitbodies represents a critical period during which the fruitbodies are prone to abort. During this critical period, particular attention is directed to maintaining favorable conditions. The fruitbodies, which may be grown to maturation, are ultimately harvested.

Abstract: The process and apparatus according to the invention are suitable for sterile and/or partially sterile preparation, inoculation and bagging of mushroom substratum. The joint application of the process and apparatus enables the use of agricultural wastes and the production of substratum in reduced time so that the yield can be multipled compared with the practices known so far and the expenditures are lower than those known so far.In the course of the process according to the invention dry straw and/or corn-cob are comminuted to the required size and admitted together with additive into a closed system. The material is treated with 90.degree. C. hot water until 70% moisture content is reached in the first step, while it is continuously mixed, then it is sterilized by heating for 35 minutes. Next the material is cooled to 25.degree. C. and the internal pressure of the apparatus is equalized to atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: (a) The invention relates to a method of and an apparatus for industrially growing particularly mushrooms and also to a substrate used for such cultivation.(b) A method characterized in that a substrate is used which consists of a mixture based on hemp stalks, the substrate being prepared by impregnation in water, whereupon the substrate is fixed on supports constituting vertical walls, whereupon the apparatus (1) carrying the substrate is placed in an incubation room and then in a growing room.(c) The present invention has its main application in the mushrooms growing industry.

Abstract: Artificial cultivation of mushrooms is described, comprising growing the mushrooms in a culture medium comprising a fungal bed and a covering soil having laid therebetween a water-absorbing sheet composed of a porous sheet and a water-absorbing polymeric substance. The present invention yields various advantages; for example, even if the frequency of water-spray is considerably reduced, the water content of the covering soil can be maintained at 70 to 80%. Thus, it permits production of high quality mushrooms in high yields.

Abstract: Apparatus for distributing compost to the beds of a mushroom house includes a mobile, freestanding, selectively positionable distributor, which receives compost and using a conveyor mounted upon it, distributes the compost to the beds. The distributor is fed from above, by a movable guide supported above the distributor, the guide being so positioned and arranged as to direct material onto the conveyor of the distributor. The guide, in turn, is supplied by a system of conveyors, which transport material from a receiving point to the guide.

Abstract: A process for preparing artificial bed blocks for "Shiitake" mushroom cultivation, comprising culturing lumps of spawn (mycelia) in a bottle or other containers, taking out the grown-up mycelia from the container to be kept in a closed space, keeping culturing while raising humidity in the space close to saturation to form a new aerial hypha layer on the whole surface of the lumps of spawn for higher resistance to weed fungi, then sprinkling with water over the lumps in open space to prevent weed fungi from depositing.

Abstract: Sporeless pleurotus strains having lamellae decurrent over the major part of the foot and lamellae more developed than those of the other known Pleurotus strains.

Abstract: The disclosure describes a process for the culture of Quebec Pleurotus Super Mushroom. For this purpose, a substrate comprising straw, wood chips from broad-leaved trees, crushed shelled ears of corn, vermiculite, Japanese millet, mixed cereal grains, lime, micro-cel, is seeded with the Quebec Pleurotus inoculum. The mixture is maintained at a humidity of 75 to 85% and a pH of 6.2 to 6.8. The system is given a photoperiod of 2.5 hr at a light intensity of 125 lux. Incubation temperature is maintained at 22.degree. C. and fruiting temperature at about 14.degree. C. to 21.degree. C. This enables to obtain within 8 to 12 days of complete development, mushrooms of the class Basidiomycetes, Agaricales of the Pleurotaceae family, from the mushroom 107-Aa G. MYCOLA Inc. This mushroom is an excellent food, loaded with aromatic principles and enables to be prepared in many ways. In addition, it can be used as a laboratory tool, for teaching biology and botany, or has decorative use in a small interior garden.

Abstract: A method of inoculating basidospores of mushroom (Lentinus edodes) by forming a transverse recess in a host wood and inserting therein a flat, half-moon shaped seed basidospore bed in a manner to fill the recess.A seed basidospore bed for inoculation is made by incubation of the seed basidospore on a flat, half-moon shaped wooden medium to conform to the shape of the host wood.The culture container comprises a capped half-split screwed bottle-like body suitable for incubation of seed basidospores and storage.A boring apparatus for the host wood for inoculation is designed to give many transverse cuts to the host wood efficiently by the use of plural circular saws applicable from various positions.

Abstract: A method of producing wood-rottening edible mushrooms on a bed prepared from a carbonhydrate, lignin and protein containing compound material, said bed comprising mainly a cellulose containing material, minor amounts of proteinaceous and farinaceous substance as well as water, the bed is packed and pasteurized, a mushroom mycolim is transferred onto bed by injecting, the mycolium is grown in bed by varying the amount of temperature and light, the bed is removed from package for the production of edible mushrooms. According to the invention the bed material is mixed with minor amounts of peat during the preparation of the material, the total amount of starch and protein is restricted to less than 10% and the pH value of bed is adjusted to less than 5.

Abstract: Sensitivity (lack of resistance) to fungicides is a problem in commercial strains of the mushroom Agaricus bisporus. Mutant strains, produced from the known parent strains by UV irradiation followed by selection, and having a genetically stable phenotype of insensitivity (resistance) to carboxin or benodanil have now been prepared. These mutant strains give a good yield of fruit in the presence of the fungicide. They have been deposited as patent deposits under the Budapest Treaty at the Commonwealth Mycological Institute.

Abstract: The invention pertains to culturing ascocarps or fruitbodies of species of the genus Morchella. Mycelia are provided nutrients and subsequently produce sclerotia. Sclerotia store sufficient nutrient to supply the ascocarps that are developed later. The mycelia and attendant sclerotia are established in a nutrient poor substratum. The fungus is induced to give rise to ascocarp development by initially maintaining the fungus in an environment that is poor in exogenous nutrients, and by exposing the fungus to a high level of water. After induction, primordia appear. The period from primordia appearance until midway to maturation of the fruitbodies represents a critical period during which the fruitbodies are prone to abort. During this critical period, particular attention is directed to maintaining favorable conditions. The fruitbodies, which may be grown to maturation, are harvested.

Abstract: A large first package, and method of its production, for providing soluble plant macronutrients and micronutrients in a timed-release form from a contained second package to an extensive plant community. The bale-like first package comprises a biodegradable cellulosic matrix of municipal waste or other energy-rich organic matter within which the second package is supported. The second package contains insoluble rock mineral and rock phosphate particles and bacterial second microorganisms in a nourishing and hydrated microenvironment which allows the microorganisms to grow, and to produce enzymes and organic acids which act on the mineral particles and thereby create soluble nutrient compounds. Alternatively, the second package contains commercially refined fertilizers packaged to dissolve in a timed-release fashion.The biodegradable package functions as it is introduced onto/into soil in association with vector plants.

Abstract: It has been a problem to pellet seeds with inoculum of the beneficial VA mycorrhizal fungus. Hitherto, clay or soil pellets have been tried but they are difficult to adjust to a suitable moisture content and the pellets are too heavy, and there is a problem in placement of the seed so as to ensure that the radicle will grow through the pellet and thereby pick up the desired fungal infection. It has now been found that satisfactory pellets can be made using a mixture of peat, preferably sphagnum moss peat (instead of soil), together with a binder, seed and the VA mycorrhizal fungus, and that even when the pellet is dried considerably the inoculum retains infectivity for at least 6 months, using sphagnum moss peat. The composition in compacted, sowing unit, e.g. pellet, form and a method of growing plant from seed are claimed. The invention is useful for improving the condition of poor soil, e.g. filled-in gravel pits or coal mine spoil tips.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of mushroom spawn comprises swelling cereal grains in water, sterilizing the swollen grain, e.g. in admixture with calcium carbonate, inoculating the sterile grain with a culture, e.g. in the form of a homogenate, and incubating the inoculated grains. The use of, say, CaCO.sub.3 prevents grain aggregation.

Abstract: The invention concerns a fertilizer to enhance the mycorhization and the fructification of mycorhizal mushrooms, in particular the tuber melanosporum. This fertilizer includes a mixture of non-ferment organic substances of animal origin (ovine excrements, fowl droppings, dried blood or feather powder), of organic substances of vegetable origin and essentially proteins and carbohydrates (in particular grains, flours, oil or cattle cakes or vegetable wastes from soy, cotton, wheat, rice, ricinus) and at least one alkalizing compound suitable to provide the mixture with a pH higher than 8; the mutual proportions of the ingredients are adjusted so that the C/N ration of the mixture is at least 10.

Abstract: Nutrients for supporting fungi growth, and particularly mushroom growth, are provided by a liquid nutrient comprising the product of a thermophilic digestion process. The liquid nutrient is contacted with and absorbed in a support medium to form a growing bed. The liquid nutrient is inoculated with spawn of the particular fungi to be grown. The inoculated product is then maintained under temperature and humidity conditions that promote mycelia growth. Once mycelia appear, the growing bed can be cased to promote the growth of fruiting bodies. The growing bed can be replaced on a batch basis. Alternatively, the bed can be irrigated on an intermittent or continuous basis to replenish the nutrient supply.

Abstract: A fruit body of Ganoderma lucidum (Fr.) Karst. having a long stipe is prepared by the method of the invention comprising the following steps;(a) cultivating a seed culture of a Ganoderma lucidum (Fr.) Karst. strain in an artificial solid medium to obtain a fungal tissue bed,(b) maintaining the fungal tissue bed at a humidity of at least 90% and an illumination intensity of at most 500 l.times. to form selectively a primordium of fruit body from the fungal tissue bed, and(c) maintaining the resulting culture at a humidity of from 40 to lower than 90% and an illumination intensity of at least 500 l.times. to form a fungal pileus of the fruit body from the primordium.

Abstract: A method of utilizing sewage sludge compost for mushroom growing and re-utilizing the used compost as livestock feed. During the use of compost for mushroom growing, lignin, cellulose, etc. of slight decomposability contained in the compost are decomposed and aroma suitable for livestock feed is imparted to the compost by the mushroom, thereby making the compost most suitable for livestock feed.

Abstract: In the cultivation of mushrooms from an underlying bed containing mushroom spores, novel compositions and processes are provided for a casing layer which is placed over the compost layer containing spawning mycelium. A hydrophilic, thermosetting prepolymer resin is mixed in with a casing substrate, preferably Canadian peat, other optional additives and sufficient amount of water to form a slurry and the mixture is allowed to cure to a spongy block. The cured material is then pulverized and deposited as a casing layer over the compost layer. Because of the high water retention qualities of this material, watering the mushroom beds is reduced by a factor of three or more, thereby reducing operation and production costs, as also the incidence and severity of disease and displeasing blemishes.

Abstract: A roller press assembly for compacting mushroom beds and the like. A carriage-like structure having a pair of rollers suspends a vertically adjustable smoothing plate for compacting and smoothing the surface of the bed. The structure may be guided manually by handles or by side rails. Such side rails may be provided on each of a plurality of vertically stacked beds to form a bunk bed structure to enable selective traversing by the roller press.

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: Apparatus is provided for depositing material, such as mushroom casing, on a horizontally moving belt from which the material is discharged to a surface beneath said belt. The material may be deposited first in a conveyor box which contains an element capable of moving the material in the box from one end of it to its other end, the said conveyor box having an outlet through which the material is passed to a distributing container. If preferred, the material may be deposited directly in the distributing box. This container also has in it means for moving the material from one of its ends to the other, as desired, in order to achieve a substantially uniform distribution in it of the material. The container has in it an outlet which comprises a slot of uniform gap. This gap is located in a position to be in delivery relationship with said moving belt. The gap is formed through the use of a cut-off plate that may be constructed of adjustable sections.

Abstract: The invention comprises a method for producing a protein enriched food or feed product and products thereof. The method entails forming a mixture of water and a food or feed product, sterilizing the mixture, innoculating the sterilized mixture with a spawn culture of the genus Pleurotus, maintaining the innoculated mixture in the presence of air at a temperature of from about 5.degree. to about 46.degree. C. so as to enable the mycelium of the spawn culture to grow, and later terminating the growth of the mycelium. The food or feed product resulting from this process has an increased protein content.

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.