FYUG Even Semester Exam, 2025
BOTANY (2nd Semester)
Mushroom Cultivation (BOTSEC-151)
Time: 2 Hours | Full Marks: 50 | Pass Marks: 20
UNIT-I
Question 1 (Objective) [1x3=3 Marks]
(a) Name a mushroom toxin.
Answer: α-amanitin (found in Amanita phalloides).
(b) What is Agaricus?
Answer: Agaricus is a genus of mushrooms containing both edible and poisonous species, including the common button mushroom (Agaricus bisporus).
(c) What do you mean by 'toadstools'?
Answer: 'Toadstools' is a common term used for poisonous mushrooms that are often brightly colored and inedible.
(d) What is paddy straw mushroom?
Answer: It refers to Volvariella volvacea, a species of edible mushroom cultivated on rice straw in subtropical regions.
Question 2(a) [2 Marks]
Write a note on medicinal value of edible mushrooms.
- Immune System Support: Mushrooms like Reishi and Shiitake contain beta-glucans that boost immunity.
- Antioxidant Properties: They contain ergothioneine, which helps reduce oxidative stress.
- Anti-cancer potential: Certain compounds are studied for inhibiting tumor growth.
Question 3(a) [5 Marks]
Give a detailed account of nutritional value of edible mushrooms.
Mushrooms are considered "superfoods" due to their unique nutritional profile:
[span_19](start_span)- Proteins: High protein content (20-35% on dry weight basis) containing all essential amino acids.
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[span_21](start_span)- Vitamins: Rich source of B-vitamins (B2, B3, B5) and the only vegan source of Vitamin D.
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[span_23](start_span)- Minerals: Contain significant amounts of Selenium, Potassium, Phosphorus, and Copper.
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- Low Calorie: Very low in fats and carbohydrates, making them ideal for weight management and diabetic patients.
- Fiber: High crude fiber content aids digestion and heart health.
UNIT-II
Question 4 (Objective) [1x3=3 Marks]
(b) Define inoculation hook.
Answer: A specialized tool used in microbiology to transfer fungal mycelium or spores into a sterile growth medium.
(d) What is mycelium?
Answer: The vegetative part of a fungus, consisting of a network of white filiform threads (hyphae).
Question 6(a) [5 Marks]
Give a detailed account of pure culture.
Pure Culture: A population of cells or multicellular organisms growing in the absence of other species or types.
In mushroom cultivation, pure culture is essential for producing high-quality spawn:
[span_33](start_span)- Isolation: Obtained using tissue culture from a healthy mushroom fruiting body or spore culture.
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- Media: Typically grown on Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) or Malt Extract Agar (MEA).
- Maintenance: Requires strict aseptic conditions to prevent contamination by molds or bacteria.
- Purpose: Ensures the genetic uniformity and vigor of the cultivated mushroom.
UNIT-III
Question 7(d) [1 Mark]
What do you mean by composting?
Answer: A biological process where organic waste (like straw and manure) is decomposed by microorganisms to create a nutrient-rich substrate for mushroom growth.
Question 9(a) [5 Marks]
Give an account of low-cost technology in mushroom production.
Low-cost technology makes mushroom farming accessible to small-scale farmers:
[span_41](start_span)- Substrate: Using locally available agricultural waste like paddy straw, maize straw, or sugarcane trash.
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- Housing: Utilizing thatched houses or bamboo structures to maintain humidity and temperature naturally.
[span_44](start_span)- Sterilization: Using low-cost stoves for boiling substrate instead of expensive autoclaves.
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[span_46](start_span)- Spawn: Community-based spawn production centers to reduce transportation costs.
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UNIT-IV
Question 10 (Objective) [1x3=3 Marks]
(b) What is canning?
Answer: A method of preserving mushrooms by sealing them in airtight containers and heating them to destroy spoilage organisms.
(d) Name two minerals present in mushrooms.
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Answer: Selenium and Potassium.
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Question 12(a) [5 Marks]
Give an illustrated account of long-term storage of mushrooms.
Long-term storage is vital to handle the highly perishable nature of mushrooms:
- Drying/Dehydration: Sun-drying or mechanical drying to reduce moisture below 10%.
[span_55](start_span)- Canning: Storing in brine solution within tin cans for 1-2 years of shelf life.
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- Freezing: Blanching followed by quick-freezing at -18°C.
- Pickling: Preserving in vinegar or oil with spices.
UNIT-V
Question 13(b) [1 Mark]
Name one mushroom research centre in North-East India.
Answer: ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam (Meghalaya).
Question 15(a) [5 Marks]
Give a detailed account of mushroom research centres in India.
India has a robust institutional framework for mushroom research:
[span_62](start_span)- Directorate of Mushroom Research (DMR): Located in Solan, Himachal Pradesh, it is the national nodal center.
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- All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) on Mushrooms: Coordinates research across various state agricultural universities.
- IIHR: Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bengaluru, works on tropical mushroom varieties.
- North-East Centers: Specialized centers in Assam and Meghalaya focus on indigenous species like Pleurotus.
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