Black poplar mushroom (Agrocybe aegerita) - characteristics of the species and cultivation possibilities - Polówka wiązkowa Agrocybe aegerita - charakterystyka gatunku oraz możliwości uprawy

The interest of researchers all over the world in black poplar mushroom – Agrocybe aegerita is continuously growing together with the new knowledge obtained on its miraculous properties. Agrocybe aegerita (BRIG.) gained special attention for its healing properties. Black poplar mushroom was found to be medically active in several therapeutic effects for instance antitumor, antifungal, nerve tonic, hypercholesterolemia and hyperlipidemia. Extracts from Agrocybe aegerita acquired antimutagenic activities and might play enormous role in cancer prevention. Currently numerous studies are undertaken on wider exploitaton of this mushroom in medicine. Black poplar mushroom is protein rich, with extraordinary flavoring values. It is used for biodegradation and recycling of agricultural wastes for its unusual properties to selective delignification. Agrocybe aegerita is still grown on the small scale, mainly because of a lack of appropriate knowledge on the methods of industrial growing. For this reason, more investigations should be undertaken concerning the Agrocybe aegerita cultivation methods.