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Impact of Artemisia argyi and Stevia rebaudiana substrate composition on the nutritional quality, yield and mycelial growth of L. edodes addressing future food challenges

Summary

This study shows that shiitake mushrooms can be grown on agricultural waste materials like wormwood and stevia instead of traditional sawdust. Using 45% wormwood or 30% stevia in the growing substrate improved both the mushroom yield and their nutritional content, including important compounds with health benefits. These findings suggest environmentally friendly and sustainable alternatives for mushroom farming that reduce reliance on wood resources while maintaining or improving food quality.

Background

Shiitake mushroom (Lentinula edodes) is the world’s second-largest edible fungus with significant nutritional and medicinal value. Traditional wood chip substrates are becoming insufficient due to expanded mushroom production scale, necessitating sustainable alternatives from agricultural waste.

Objective

This study evaluated the effects of Artemisia argyi (wormwood) and Stevia rebaudiana (stevia) as alternative substrates on mycelial growth, yield, and nutritional composition of Lentinula edodes strain 868, comparing performance with traditional sawdust substrates.

Results

Potato sucrose agar and broth proved most conducive for growth. Optimal mycelial growth occurred at 24°C and pH 5.0-7.0. Wormwood at 60% concentration yielded highest fruiting body yield and nutritional content, while stevia at 45% concentration showed optimal results. Both substrates enhanced yield and nutritional quality compared to pure sawdust control.

Conclusion

Incorporating up to 45% wormwood or 30% stevia in substrate formulation optimizes both yield and nutritional quality of L. edodes, positioning these agricultural waste materials as sustainable alternatives to traditional sawdust in eco-friendly mushroom cultivation.
  • Published in:BMC Plant Biology,
  • Study Type:Experimental Study,
  • Source: PMID: 41062961, DOI: 10.1186/s12870-025-07340-w
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