Water concentration and rate of decrease in shiitake cultivation log during fruiting body development, as measured by MRI.

Large shiitake mushrooms (Lentinula edodes , pileus > 8 cm in diameter) are difficult to cultivate and account for only 3-5% of the total harvest. This study focused on the water absorption process within a log during the growth of fruiting bodies in order to increase the yield of large shiitake mushrooms. Konara oak logs (Quercus serrata, 85-95 mm in diameter, 290 mm in length) were inoculated with shiitake mycelium plugs and nine months later, young fruiting bodies developed, at which point the log was analyzed using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) over a period of two weeks. The signal intensity and T 1 and T 2 relaxation time constants were determined from the acquired images, along with the distribution of water concentration within the entire log. The axial distributions of water concentrations in the log were higher in the 80 mm region around the fruiting body. The rate of decrease in water concentration indicated that water was supplied to the fruiting body from 80 mm axially in the upper half of the sapwood in the log. On the other hand, the water concentration in the heartwood did not decrease and the heartwood did not contribute to the water supply to the fruiting bodies. • Shiitake mycelium-inoculated log was measured by MRI over a two-week period. • Water was supplied to growing fruiting bodies from the sapwood section of the log. • The region supplying water to the fruiting body was on the upper part of the log. • The area of highest water concentration depended on the position of the fruiting body. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]