Gabrielle Young

Project Title: Supporting a sustainable transition away from peat-use in mushroom casing

Overview: Gabrielle is researching the effect of casing material on the growth of Agaricus bisporus mushrooms – the most widely consumed edible mushroom. She aims to categorise the physical properties of traditional peat casing and potential replacement materials using X-ray CT. In addition, she will determine how these substrates influence the yield and quality of mushrooms.

 This research is vital for a sustainable future in mushroom production, as the peat casing currently used in the industry is a major cause of the destruction of peatland habitat. Peatland habitats are not only unique and biodiverse but are also incredibly important in holding on to vast quantities of carbon – once degraded and peat is burned this is realised as greenhouse gases.

 Gabrielle has a diverse background in the wider field of biology; she has experience with a wide range of field and lab techniques, equipping her for this highly interdisciplinary subject. She has particular experience with imaging techniques such as GFP & lux-luciferase visualisation as well as experience with standard light microscopy.

 Gabrielle is from rural Aberdeenshire in the North of Scotland. When she is not growing mushrooms, Gabrielle enjoys sketching, painting, going to museums, long hikes and travelling.

Programme Area: Sustainable agriculture

Supervisors: Dr Saoirse Tracy, Prof Olaf Schmidt, Dr Lael Walsh, Dr Helen Grogan and Mr Donal Gernon

Location: Ashtown Food Research Centre

Funding Source: Teagasc