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Biodegradation of ramie stalk by Flammulina velutipes: mushroom production and substrate utilization

Summary

This study shows that mushroom farmers can use ramie plant stalks, which are normally considered waste from textile production, as a growing substrate for golden needle mushrooms (Flammulina velutipes). By mixing ramie stalk with other common ingredients like wheat bran and cottonseed hulls in the right proportions, researchers achieved mushroom yields higher than using traditional substrates alone. This discovery helps reduce farming costs while solving an environmental waste disposal problem.

Background

Ramie stalk is a low-value textile industry byproduct produced in large quantities globally. The potential use of ramie stalk as a substrate ingredient for mushroom cultivation has not been extensively explored. This study evaluated the feasibility of using ramie stalk in Flammulina velutipes cultivation to add economic value to agricultural waste.

Objective

To evaluate the degradation and utilization of ramie stalk by Flammulina velutipes through assessment of mushroom production, lignocellulose degradation, and lignocellulolytic enzyme activity. The study aimed to determine the optimal substrate mixture for F. velutipes cultivation and establish relationships between enzyme activities and fruit body production.

Results

The optimal substrate composition was 50% ramie stalk, 20% cottonseed hulls, 25% wheat bran, 4% cornstarch, and 2% CaCO3, achieving the highest biological efficiency of 119.7%. F. velutipes degraded 12.7-32.0% of lignin, 14.4-30.2% of cellulose, and 9.3-25.7% of hemicellulose across different substrates. Positive correlations were found between mushroom yield and cellulase, hemicellulase, and ligninolytic enzyme activities, with laccase and peroxidase showing higher activity before fruiting.

Conclusion

Ramie stalk can be effectively used as a substrate supplement for F. velutipes cultivation, significantly increasing mushroom yield compared to control substrates. The study demonstrates that enzyme activities, particularly cellulase and hemicellulase, are important factors in fruit body formation. This application provides an economically viable and environmentally beneficial way to utilize ramie stalk waste in mushroom production.
  • Published in:AMB Express,
  • Study Type:Experimental Study,
  • Source: 10.1186/s13568-017-0480-4, PMID: 28900905
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