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Effect of physiochemical parameters on yield and biological efficiency of Volvariella volvacea cultivated on empty fruit bunch pellets

Summary

This study explored ways to improve the farming of straw mushrooms (Volvariella volvacea) using empty fruit bunch pellets from palm oil production. Researchers tested different substrate weights, growing areas, and nutrient mixtures to find the best recipe for high mushroom yields. The best results came from adding black soil to the substrate, achieving a biological efficiency of 17.75%, which could help farmers grow more mushrooms profitably while reducing agricultural waste.

Background

Volvariella volvacea is a highly nutritious edible mushroom grown mainly in Southeast Asian countries, known for high protein, fiber, antioxidants and glucan content. However, low yield has discouraged farmers from engaging in its production, prompting research into optimization methods using agricultural waste substrates.

Objective

The study investigated how various physiochemical parameters including substrate weight, surface area, and substrate formulation affect the yield and biological efficiency of V. volvacea cultivated on empty fruit bunch pellets.

Results

Substrate formulation was the most significant factor, with the EFB pellet plus black soil formulation (F3) achieving the highest biological efficiency of 17.75%. Substrate weight and surface area showed less critical effects, though larger weights produced higher absolute yields. Interestingly, smaller surface areas (A1) produced higher biological efficiency percentages than larger areas.

Conclusion

Media formulation is the most influential factor for V. volvacea production, with black soil addition promoting fruiting body formation. Substrate weight is not a sensitive variable for yield determination, and cultivation area is not proportional to fruiting body yield. Future research should focus on gene expression related to fruiting body formation.
  • Published in:Heliyon,
  • Study Type:Experimental Study,
  • Source: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2025.e42572, PMID: 40028610
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