Effects of Corn Stalk Cultivation Substrate on the Growth of the Slippery Mushroom (Pholiota microspora)

Summary

This research explored using corn stalks, an abundant agricultural waste product in China, as a growing medium for edible mushrooms instead of traditional sawdust. The study found that mixing corn stalks with sawdust actually improved mushroom production while maintaining quality, offering a sustainable solution for both mushroom growers and agricultural waste management. Impacts on everyday life: – Provides a more sustainable and cost-effective way to grow nutritious mushrooms – Helps reduce agricultural waste and environmental pollution from burning crop residues – Could lead to lower mushroom prices due to reduced production costs – Supports environmental conservation by reducing dependence on wood materials – Creates new value from agricultural waste products

Background

Slippery mushroom (Pholiota microspora), also known as Pholiota nameko, was originally cultivated in Japan and introduced to China in the mid-1970s. It contains beneficial compounds including nucleic acids and polysaccharides in its mucus layer, and demonstrates various pharmacological effects including anti-aging, antitumor, antibiotic, anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties. Most edible fungi require wood materials as substrate, but due to logging bans and environmental protection policies, there is a need to find alternative cultivation substrates.

Objective

To evaluate corn stalks as an alternative cultivation substrate for P. microspora by analyzing different substrate formulas with varying proportions of corn stalks and sawdust, and to determine the optimal formula that could partially or completely replace sawdust while maintaining mushroom yield and quality.

Results

The substrate formula T2 (38% wood chips and 38% corn stalks) resulted in the highest yield of 275.66 g per bag (6.60% higher than control) and highest biological efficiency of 90.75% (4.58% higher than control), with no significant differences in fruiting body traits, nutrients, or mineral composition compared to the control. Formula T1 (19% corn stalks) produced mushrooms with the highest mineral and amino acid contents.

Conclusion

Corn stalks can effectively partially replace sawdust as a cultivation substrate for P. microspora. Formula T2 (38% sawdust + 38% corn stalks) significantly improved yield and biological efficiency while maintaining product quality. Formula T1 (19% corn stalks) was optimal for producing medicinal-grade mushrooms due to higher nutrient content. These findings provide an environmentally sustainable alternative for P. microspora cultivation using agricultural waste.
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