Effect of earthworm casts on protein synthesis in Agaricus bisporus.

When earthworm casts were used as a casing, an early fructification, a greater stimulation in fruitbody formation, an increase in the carpophore protein content and in L-14C-leucine incorporation were observed inAgaricus bisporus. The protein-synthesizing capacity of the carpophore and its protein content were tested on samples collected 28 and 35 days after the casing. An increased L-14C-leucine incorporation of about 34% and an increased protein content of about 25% were recorded.