Effects of gamma irradiation on physical parameters of Lactarius deliciosus wild edible mushrooms

Studies evaluating the effects of ionizing radiation on mushrooms are mostly available in cultivated species rather than with wild species. In the present work, the effects of gamma radiation dose (0, 0.5 and 1 kGy) and storage time (0–8 days at 5 °C) on the physical parameters (colour, cap diameter and weight) of the wild edible mushroom Lactarius deliciosus were evaluated. A slight decrease in redness (a) with irradiation dose and a slight decrease in the cap diameter with storage time were observed. The results of weight loss profiles during 8 days of storage were very similar for irradiated and non-irradiated samples. Overall, this study demonstrated that up to 1 kGy, gamma irradiation and cold storage did not significantly affect the measured physical properties.

► The redness (a) of Lactarius deliciosus decreased slightly with irradiation dose.
► The cap diameter tended to decrease with storage time.
► Weight loss during storage was similar for irradiated and non-irradiated samples.
► Gamma radiation (up to 1 kGy) and storage did not affect physical properties.