Aqueous Extracts of Lemon Basil Straw as Chemical Stimulator for Gray Oyster Mushroom Cultivation

Author: mycolabadmin
5/9/2022
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Summary

This research shows how leftover stalks from lemon basil seed production can be soaked in water to create a natural booster for growing oyster mushrooms. The water extract, especially when diluted, significantly improved mushroom yields without using any harmful chemicals. This simple method allows farmers to use a waste product that is normally burned, making mushroom farming more sustainable and cost-effective.

Background

Lemon basil straw (LBS) is a byproduct of basil seed production that is typically burned in open fields. Previous research showed LBS can be used as a substrate component for mushroom cultivation but has limitations due to its hardness and particle size reduction challenges. This study explores using aqueous extracts of LBS as a chemical stimulator to overcome these practical limitations.

Objective

To develop a simple aqueous extraction method for utilizing lemon basil straw as a growth stimulator for gray oyster mushroom cultivation without using hazardous chemicals or complex procedures. The study aimed to determine the effects of macerated and decocted LBS extracts on mycelial growth, biological efficiency, and productivity of Pleurotus sajor-caju.

Results

LBS extracts did not significantly affect mycelial growth rates on any media tested. However, diluted LBS extracts (1:1 v/v ratio) improved biological efficiency by 1.5-fold compared to control. GC-MS identified 9-octadecaenamide as a major compound in both extracts at higher concentrations in decocted samples. Maximum productivity was achieved within 15 days after fruiting initiation.

Conclusion

Aqueous maceration and decoction are suitable simple methods for extracting bioactive compounds from lemon basil straw for use as a mushroom growth stimulator. Diluted LBS extracts significantly enhanced biological efficiency and productivity of gray oyster mushrooms, offering a practical valorization strategy for this agricultural byproduct that discourages field burning.

Published in:Foods,
Study Type:Experimental Research,
Source: PMID: 35564092, DOI: 10.3390/foods11091370