Effect of Ionizing Radiation of Physiological Characteristics of Fresh Mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus L.)

Fresh mushroom (Agaricus bisporus L.) was irradiated (0, 1, 2, 3kGy) and kept for 20 days at RH. Parameters of qualities were investigated on the physical and physiological characteristics. The pileus and stipe on nonirradiated mushroom were expanded and elongated from the 3rd day of storage, there by losing the acceptability as edible samples. After 5 days of storage, 2 to 3kGy of gamma irradiation were especially effective for controllong natural maturation and senescence of fresh mushrooms and so irradiated mushrooms were acceptable more than 20days storage. The texture of irradiated samples was superior to that of nonirradiated samples, even though softening of the tissue occurred during storage. Weight loss was greatest in the nonirradiated sample due to evaporation from an increased surface area resulting from expansion and ripending, which were retarded in the 2 to 3kGy irradiated samples after 5days of storage. These results suggest that the irradiation dose of 2 to 3kGy is apparently effective to extend the shelf life of fresh mushrooms stored at the above-mentioned condition.