In: Sydowia 76, (2024): 21-33; ISSN 0082-0598, DOI 10.12905/0380.sydowia76-2024-0021, Published online on July 19, 2023

Cultivation of Auricularia species: a review of the history, health benefits, principles, practices, environmental conditions, research methods, and recent trends

Mary Ann Jully Regis & András Geösel*

1 Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Institute of Horticultural Sciences, Department of Vegetable and
Mushroom Growing, Villányi str. 29-43, H-1118 Budapest, Hungary
* e-mail: Geosel.Andras@uni-mate.hu

Regis M.A.J. & Geösel A. (2023) Cultivation of Auricularia species: a review of the history, health benefits, principles, practices,
environmental conditions, research methods, and recent trends. – Sydowia 76: 21–33.
Auricularia species are edible mushrooms known as the Jew’s ear, wood ear, jelly ear, black fungus, or by several other common
names. Cultivated Auricularia species can be grown under a wide range of conditions, allowing for production volumes
worldwide. The review provides a summary of the historical background of Auricularia cultivation which becomes a basis for
cultivation practices. The principles of cultivating this genus are important in standardizing cultivation technology adaptable to
certain regions, in Asia, Western countries (North America, Europe, and Australia), and Africa. Environmental conditions required
in intensive cultivation are also dealt with such as the effect of temperature, humidity, light, and CO2. Some research
approaches of Auricularia cultivation and recent trends in improving and harnessing the potential of Auricularia species are also
included.

Keywords: Black ears, jew’s ear, wood log cultivation, plastic bag cultivation, agricultural waste, submerged liquid cultivation,
biological efficiency.