a b s t r a c t
The carbohydrate distribution in mushrooms is reported changing greatly in its different
regions during growth and fruiting. In this study, the carbohydrate distribution in the compost
and fruiting bodies of Pleurotus ostreatus was analysed. Sugar, polyol, polysaccharide,
and chitin content during different growth phases and in different regions of the mushroom
were determined. Results indicate that trehalose, mannitol, and glucose were first accumulated
in the compost and then decreased during differentiation and growth of fruiting
bodies. Meanwhile, trehalose, mannitol, and glucose also accumulated in the fruiting bodies
and primarily distributed in the stipe, base, and pileus region, respectively. Polysaccharides
mainly accumulated within the pileus and stipe regions, and chitin was mainly
observed in the base region. These findings provide insights into carbohydrate function
and utilisation during mushroom growth.