This past spring, Rodale Institute's Research Technician, Kate Harms, led a trial research project to look at the benefits of companion cropping of tomatoes and mushrooms. To increase nutrient quality and ergothioneine levels in tomatoes, ergothioneine was first examined. Ergothioneine, aka ERGO, is a naturally occurring amino acid and strong antioxidant capable of mitigating oxidative stress. In short, ERGO is a powerful antioxidant efficient enough to reduce cancer susceptibility and decrease inflammation.

Relatively few organisms are capable of synthesizing ERGO, which include actinobacteria, cyanobacteria, and certain fungi. Since ERGO is biosynthesized by mushrooms, this led Rodale Institute researchers to look at companion cropping mushrooms. In comparison to other foods, researchers hoped to increase food levels of ERGO.

Field and Forest Products, project partners, have successfully integrated mushrooms with their high tunnel tomato production. This inspiration was at the base of Rodale Institute's trial. Similar experiments in the Institute's greenhouse and outdoor bed were set up. This trial will investigate if companion plantings of mushrooms with vegetable crops, will increase ergothioneine levels in the soil and crop, make soil minerals more available to the plant, and provide additional farm income. In addition to nutrient quality, Rodale Institute will measure plant tissue mineral analysis, yields, flavor, and disease progression in tomatoes.

The institute hopes to continue this research into other farming systems as well. Just last year, partners at Penn State and the Hershey Medical Center began looking at ergothioneine levels in different farming systems. During this investigation, oats from the Institute’s Farm System Trial (FST) showed that ergothioneine levels may be impacted by the way we manage the soil, with higher levels occurring in no till systems. Often, no till systems are associated with beneficial fungal networks in the soil since less disturbance to the soil allows for more establishment of fungal networks.

Future research goals will expand on whether managing soil to increase fungal activity can increase ergothionene in crops. Sticking with the Institute's decade old motto, Healthy Soil = Healthy Food = Healthy People.