In this study, we examined the influences of four light intensities on mushroom biomass and effects of a blue (B) light-emitting diode (LED) source with 10-40 mu.Lmol m(-2) s(-1) of photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) on the antioxidant capacity and soluble sugar content of the edible oyster mushroom L sajor-caju Fr. which is popularly cultivated in Taiwan. Fruiting body initiation and development of mushrooms cultivated on blocks made of sawdust, rice-bran, and wheat-bran media were carried out with an 8-h photoperiod at 26 degrees C and 85% relative humidity under LEDs lights inside growth chambers. When the basidiome has began development, mushroom blocks containing primordia were exposed to different light conditions for 7 days. Results showed that B-LED PPFD of mushrooms significantly promoted the accumulation of dry biomass. This study explored the relationship between the light intensity of B-LED and antioxidant properties. Different light intensities variably affected the antioxidant system of the mushroom, and higher light intensities resulted in an increased DPPH radical-scavenging effect, Fe-chelating ability, and reducing power. In addition, 40 PPFD of the B-light source caused greater accumulation of soluble sugars than other B-light intensities. Precise management of B light may hold promise in promoting the nutritional value of edible mushrooms cultivated in controlled environments with future utilization of LEDs on an industrial scale. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
