Extended use of gamma irradiation in wild mushrooms conservation: Validation of 2 kGy dose to preserve their chemical characteristics

Irradiation is recognized by international organizations as a conservation technology, which was previously applied to some wild mushrooms species. Our research group evaluated the effectiveness of gamma irradiation to preserve different samples of highly appreciated species, particularly, Lactarius deliciosus, Macrolepiota procera, Boletus edulis and Hydnum repandum. According to the obtained results and to specific international recommendations on this subject, the 2 kGy dose was selected. Therefore, this dose was extended to Boletus pinophilus Pilat & Dermek and Clitocybe subconnexa Murrill to validate the proposed technology. The results indicated that some of the analysed chemical (specially sugars and fatty acids) and antioxidant parameters showed significant changes after irradiation treatment, particularly in B. pinophilus (probably due to its higher water content). Nevertheless, the obtained differences did not seem to be enough to change the overall characteristics of these mushrooms. Furthermore, the antioxidant activity was generally higher in irradiated samples. In conclusion, the detected chemical changes might be considered as acceptable, when considering the high advantages of gamma irradiation at decontamination and/or disinfestation level. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.