My extension program is directed toward the educational needs of Pennsylvania mushroom farmers. Regular visits to mushroom farms are made to discuss their integrated crop management practices. Management strategies are presented to the growers at meetings and farm walks. New technology and basic growing techniques are given at the workshops held at the semi-commercial Mushroom Test-Demonstration Facility on campus.

My research is inspired by the need for improvement in crop yield and compost substrate efficiencies. The understanding of growth and development of a commercially grown organism will lead to better control and performance of that organism. The research program includes testing alternative compost substrate and casing materials to lower production cost and improve yields. I am studying nutritional factors in compost substrate that limit yield as the crop ages for a better understanding of the nutritional requirements of A. bisporus. I am interested in studying this utilization of compost substrate by the mushroom to reduce the spent mushroom substrate and provide alternative uses for its disposal. Other research interests include integrated pest management, disease control, and alternatives to pesticides. Studies of new biopesticides and alternative control methods can be carried out in the laboratory and in the controlled environment rooms at the Mushroom Research Center. Future research will include studying the mechanism involved in mushroom fructification and stability of this mechanism during culture maintenance.

Beyer, David M. 1997. "The influence of chelating agents on the later break yield of Agaricus bisporus." Can. J. Botany 75(3):402-407.

Beyer, D. M. and H. R. Muthersbaugh. 1996. "Nutritional factors affecting later break yield of Agaricus bisporus." Can. J. of Plant Sci. 76:835-840.

Beyer, D. M. 1996." Kenaf core as a substitute horse bedding material used in Agaricus bisporus mushroom compost substrate," pp. 123-132 in: D. J. Royse (ed), Proc. Mushroom Biology and Mushroom Products. The Pennsylvania State University, University Park. 588 pp.

Lomax, K. M., D. M. Beyer, and T. Rhodes. 1996. "Air flow effects on mushroom production," pp. 233-240 in: D. J. Royse (Ed), Proc. Mushroom Biology and Mushroom Products. The Pennsylvania State University, University Park. 588 pp.

Wuest, P. J. and D. M. Beyer. 1996. "Manufactured and recycled materials used as casing in Agaricus bisporus mushroom production," pp. 241-250 in: D. J. Royse (ed.), Proc. Mushroom Biology and Mushroom Products. The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA. 588 pp.