Marsh Lawson Mushroom Research Centre of Excellence (MU21004)

This project provided comprehensive management services for the Marsh Lawson Mushroom Research Centre (MLMRC), ensuring it operates as a world-class facility dedicated to advancing the Australian mushroom industry. Operated in partnership by Applied Horticulture Research (AHR) and The University of Sydney, the MLMRC supports growers through targeted research and development initiatives that promote sustainability, climate resilience, and industry best practices.  

AHR is responsible for day-to-day management services, while The University of Sydney provides and maintains the facilities and employs growers. Together, they ensure effective delivery of trials and ongoing facility development.  

The MLMRC is equipped with two independent, climate-controlled growing rooms (each housing 72 Phase 3 compost blocks) and a large preparation/analysis space—enabling trials not feasible on commercial farms, such as pathogen control, pesticide evaluation, sanitation methods, and new growing media. It has underpinned the registration and permit of critical crop protection tools targeting sciarid and phorid flies, mites, and diseases like Dry Bubble and Cobweb. 

The centre also contributed to major industry R&D, including disease diagnostics (MU12007), microbial ecology of compost and casing (MU10021), and nitrogen transformation in cropping (MU17004). Trials have examined alternative compost and casing materials, lime use, and biocontrol strategies—often in collaboration with Hort Innovation, NSW EPA, and commercial partners. 

Guided by an Independent Steering Committee representing all sectors of the mushroom industry, research priorities remain grower-focused and technically robust. Despite a six-month suspension of trials due to a mechanical failure in late 2023, 24 trials were completed throughout the project. New air-handling, heating, and cooling systems are being installed by late 2025 to ensure future reliability. 

Grower engagement has been central to the project, with research findings shared through MushroomLink, podcasts, webinars, and presentations at national and international conferences. Ongoing collaboration with global partners supports knowledge exchange and adoption of best practices, empowering growers to implement innovative, sustainable, and profitable strategies.