| The effects of genotype, environment and genotype*environment interactions on wheat straw quality and mushroom yields were evaluated and significant factors were explored. Wheat straw from two varieties (Vienna and Harvard) and two locations (Elora and Harriston) grown in 2006 were used to make compost and grow mushrooms. Location and variety by location interactions had significant effects on some wheat straw mineral components, but not straw fiber content. Fiber fractions affected composting. Variety and variety by location interactions determined fiber fraction response to composting and also mushroom yield and crude fiber. Principal component biplots showed that straw degradability, straw fiber and Ca content, stem/leaf ratio and straw water uptake were all positively related to mushroom yields. In this study, high bulk density in composting and beginning stages of mushroom growth, high compost pH and high moisture content at all stages were negatively related to mushroom yields. |
