Case Study: Advanced Air Sterilisation Enhances Medicinal Mushroom Production

Case Study: Advanced Air Sterilisation Enhances Medicinal Mushroom Production

C&L Mushrooms cultivates Agaricus bisporus which are white button mushrooms (young stage), cremini mushrooms (slightly more mature) and portobello mushrooms (completely mature). A primary challenge was maintaining a contaminant-free environment to maximise yield and product quality. Airborne pathogens presented a significant risk, adversely affecting both yield and product integrity, leading to economic losses.

 

Client: C&L Mushrooms

Location: County Down, Northern Ireland

Industry: Controlled Environment Agriculture (Medicinal Mushrooms)

Challenge

C&L Mushrooms cultivates Agaricus bisporus which are white button mushrooms (young stage), cremini mushrooms (slightly more mature) and portobello mushrooms (completely mature). A primary challenge was maintaining a contaminant-free environment to maximise yield and product quality. Airborne pathogens presented a significant risk, adversely affecting both yield and product integrity, leading to economic losses.

Objective

Evaluate the effectiveness of Ilimex Flufence Air Sterilisation technology in reducing airborne pathogens, improving environmental stability, and enhancing overall mushroom yield and quality.

Methodology

Two identical growing environments were established:

  • Tent 1: Equipped with Ilimex Flufence air sterilisation
  • Tent 2: Conventional air filtration system (control)

A structured Measurement and Verification (M&V) procedure was adopted, incorporating:

  • Air sampling for pathogen load (Trichoderma spp., Dactylium dendroides, Verticillium spp.)
  • Continuous environmental monitoring (temperature, CO₂, humidity)
  • Yield measurement and contamination assessment

Independent laboratory analysis was provided by Dr Neil, ensuring objectivity and scientific rigour.

Results

Environmental Control

  • Temperature: Tent 1 maintained superior temperature stability, averaging 1.7°C higher than Tent 2, enhancing mushroom development.

  • Carbon Dioxide Levels: Consistently lower CO₂ concentrations in Tent 1 reduced ventilation demand, thereby lowering energy costs and equipment wear.

Yield and Contamination

  • Harvest Yield: Tent 1 produced 15 kg of wet Lion’s Mane, compared to 9 kg from Tent 2.
  • Dry Product Yield: Post-drying (to 10% moisture content), Tent 1 yielded 1.5 kg, a significant 40% increase compared to Tent 2’s 0.9 kg.

  • Contamination Rates: No contamination detected in Tent 1, whereas Tent 2 lost 10 growing blocks due to pathogen contamination, subsequently affecting the overall crop.

Mushroom Quality

  • The mushrooms from the Ilimex-treated tent exhibited larger size, increased firmness, and improved overall density. Harvest efficiency improved markedly due to healthier fruiting bodies.

Scientific Verification

Airborne pathogen sampling using AerosolSense™ equipment confirmed significantly lower pathogen counts within the Ilimex-controlled environment. Pathogens analysed included:

  • Green Mould (Trichoderma spp.)
  • Cobweb Disease (Dactylium dendroides)
  • Dry Bubble Disease (Verticillium spp.)

All tests consistently indicated a cleaner, pathogen-reduced atmosphere in the Ilimex tent.

Client Testimonial

"The introduction of the Ilimex system was transformative. We achieved higher yields and, crucially, eliminated contamination entirely. The mushrooms were noticeably healthier and easier to harvest."

– Zayd, Lead Harvester, C&L Mushrooms

Conclusion

The implementation of Ilimex Flufence air sterilisation significantly enhanced both yield and product quality in medicinal mushroom cultivation. Key benefits realised include:

  • Higher crop yield (40% increase in dried product)
  • Zero pathogen contamination
  • Improved environmental conditions
  • Energy cost reductions
  • Enhanced harvesting efficiency and product quality

These compelling results underscore the value Ilimex technology brings to controlled environment agriculture, specifically for high-value medicinal crops.

Future Initiatives

Further investigations are planned to measure the potential enhancement in bioactive compound concentrations resulting from the optimised sterile environment provided by Ilimex.

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