Erasmus+ Research Collaboration — TUZVO Team Visit to MTRC

 

From October 11–13, 2025, the Mushroom Training and Resource Centre (MTRC) in Kabale, Uganda, was honored to host a team from the Technical University of Zvolen (TUZVO) in Slovakia as part of our ongoing Erasmus+ research collaboration with Kabale University (KAB).

The joint research focuses on the domestication of wild mushroom species as a sustainable alternative to forest mushroom hunting. By cultivating these species on local substrates, the project aims to promote biodiversity conservation, improve food security, and support environmental sustainability.

Day 1: Welcoming the TUZVO Team & Preparation for Trials

The visit began with a warm welcome to the TUZVO team and a courtesy meeting with Mrs. Peace Byandusya, MTRC’s Director. During this session, Mr. Martin Pavlik, representing TUZVO, presented a book co-authored by TUZVO, Kabale University, and MTRC. The publication compiles key presentations on Integrated Natural Resource Management and Mushroom Farming under the Erasmus+ program.

In the afternoon, both teams prepared for the upcoming experiments by measuring and soaking various local substrates — including sorghum husks, coffee husks, bean husks, banana stover, wood chips, and wheat straw — to be used for mushroom domestication trials.



Day 2: Draining, Cooking, and Sterilizing

The day began with draining the soaked substrates in preparation for use in the experiments. Later in the morning, Mr. Martin Pavlik offered a cultural exchange experience by preparing a delicious wild mushroom soup and sharing his recipe with the team — a wonderful blend of science and culture!

In the afternoon, the team packed and sterilized the substrate bags, setting the stage for the inoculation process scheduled for the next day.



Day 3: Inoculation and Soil Research

The final day was dedicated to inoculating the mushroom spawn brought from Slovak forests onto the prepared local substrates. This marked a key milestone in testing the feasibility of domesticating wild mushroom species under Ugandan conditions.

Additionally, the team collected soil samples to compare soils that have been enriched with spent mushroom substrate (used as organic fertilizer) with those that have not. This side study will assess the impact of spent substrate on soil nutrient value and fertility, contributing valuable insights into organic farming and sustainable soil management.



Looking Ahead

The three-day collaboration demonstrated the power of international partnership, knowledge sharing, and sustainable innovation. Through the Erasmus+ project, MTRC, TUZVO, and Kabale University continue to strengthen their commitment to research excellence, environmental stewardship, and the advancement of mushroom cultivation technologies in Uganda and beyond.



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